Nozipho Mbatha: Sasol and SAFA partnership will propel Banyana Banyana to greater heights

This after confirming the renewed partnership on Friday - recommitting to their long-standing sponsorship deal for Banyana Banyana until 2029.

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Mbatha says negotiations with SAFA took long because they wanted to ensure that the partnership reflects Sasols’ evolving brand values and shared objectives.

“The two parties were involved in an extended dialogue  which allowed us  to align more closely on shared objectives, ultimately strengthening the partnership that will play an important role in enabling pathways for young women footballers from grassroots level to the international stage. This ensures that the partnership continues to reflect our evolving brand values and shared objectives,’’ said Mbatha.

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The partnership between the SA Football mother body and Sasol remains the longest-standing sponsorship deal for women’s football in the country - spanning over 16 years. 

Mbatha says the two parties are committed to seeing women’s football taken forward, and being elevated to previously unseen levels on the continent and across the globe.

“I mean the sponsorship deal will continue to elevate women’s football in South Africa to previously unseen levels. And commits to the continued success of the national team - with Banyana not only winning the 2022 WAFCON but also becoming the first South African football team to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup,’’ added Mbatha.

Mbatha did not disclose the financials of the partnership, stating that it is due to legal constraints.