SAFA, Standard Bank Announce Partnership To Boost South African Football

The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank have forged a significant partnership that will see Africa’s largest bank by assets become an official sponsor, supporting national teams Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana, and grassroots initiatives from 2026 onwards.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for South African football, with Bafana Bafana set to compete on the world stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, former Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Sasol Banyana Banyana are gearing up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

“This partnership exemplifies the type of investment that South African football requires,” stated SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan. “Standard Bank’s involvement will enhance the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country both continentally and globally.”

David Hodnett, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa, remarked, “For Standard Bank, this sponsorship is a natural continuation of our commitment to South Africa. Football is the most widely followed sport in the country, playing a vital role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride, aligning with our purpose: ‘Africa is our home; we drive her growth’. This partnership builds upon decades of our support for sports initiatives, from grassroots to national levels.”

Hodnett further elaborated, “Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, which resonates with our mission of driving Africa’s growth. The fans who fill the stadiums and paint our cities green and gold are our clients, and they hail from the communities we serve every day.”

South African national teams continue to demonstrate remarkable performances on the field. Bafana Bafana recently secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Banyana Banyana, the 2022 Women’s African champions, showcased their competitive spirit at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.