Absa renews Bafana Bafana sponsorship

Absa today announced that it has struck an agreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) to extend its sponsorship of the National team, affectionately known as “Bafana Bafana”.

Absa, recent winner of the top banking brand award in the Sunday Times Top Brands survey for the 6th year running, first secured National team sponsorship rights in 2007, in partnership with SAB Miller. Today’s renewal will run until December 2013.

Announcing the deal, the Absa Head of Marketing for Africa, Sizakele Marutlulle said: “Absa is proud to continue our association with Bafana Bafana as the team faces another important period in its football history.

‘’South Africa will welcome the best teams on the African continent as the country gears up to host the African Cup of Nations in 2013 as well as qualify for the next FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil in 2014,” said Marutlulle.

SAFA CEO, Dr Robin Petersen said the sponsorship extension by the country’s biggest retail bank was a timely boost for Bafana Bafana who are scheduled to face five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Sao Paolo on 7 September 2012 before hosting Mozambique in Mbombela on 11 September 2012.

“Bafana Bafana are about to start a tight programme in their preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which we host next year. This welcome sponsorship could not have come at a more appropriate time,” said Dr Petersen.

“Absa has always been behind Bafana through thick and thin and this recent sponsorship extension is a true testimony of a committed partner,” he added.