NIKE, Inc. and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have announced a new partnership that will see the sports company design and develop the football kits for the South African men’s and women’s national teams.
The five-year partnership will begin on February 1, 2014. All national teams will receive Nike’s innovative performance and training kits, as well as equipment, including balls.
Nike will provide a limited edition kit for Bafana Bafana for their international friendly against Brazil in Johannesburg on 5 March, as well as for all senior national teams competing until December 2014. The 2015-2016 kit will be unveiled in November 2014 with a range of supporters’ apparel available from early January 2015.
Support at all levels
“This partnership signifies Nike’s deep commitment to supporting and developing South African football at all levels of the game, from national team to grassroots football,” said Laurent Paire, general manager of Nike Africa. “We look forward to providing innovative product technology to help players reach their full potential and help shape the future success of South African football.”
The partnership also gives SAFA access to the Nike Football Training Center in Soweto, Johannesburg – a world-class training facility built by Nike in 2010. With Nike’s football training programs and grassroots initiatives including Nike Chance, Manchester United’s Premier Cup and elite training there, SAFA’s technical team will have an immediate opportunity to identify, fast-track and nurture young football talent.
Focus on development
“We are delighted to be working with Nike and look forward to this comprehensive partnership that will allow us to focus on the development of football. This is a significant time for South African football as we begin to strengthen our structures, particularly in the development and grassroots areas,” said Danny Jordan, SAFA President.
The partnership includes the supply of performance and training kits and balls for all nine SAFA national football teams at all levels, including Men’s Senior and Women’s Senior Teams, Men’s U23s, Men’s and Women’s U20s, Men’s and Women’s U17s, Men’s Soccer indoor games and men’s beach soccer.
