NOT long ago, Standard Bank backed Orlando Pirates.
Now Africa’s leading financial institution has sealed a deal with Bafana Bafana, as the national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup in US, Canada and Mexico, as well as Banyana-Banyana for 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The deal means that all of SAFA’s teams, including junior boys and girls to Banyana Banyana, will enjoy Standard Bank as the official partner, from 2026 and beyond.
“This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs,” says Dr Danny Jordaan, President of SAFA. “Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.”
Standard Bank’s partnership with SAFA builds on decades of supporting sport initiatives, from junior ranks through to national levels.
David Hodnett, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa, says: “For Standard Bank, the sponsorship is a natural extension of our commitment to South Africa.
Football remains the most widely followed sport in South Africa, playing a unique role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride aligned to our purpose, “Africa is our home, we drive her growth”.
“Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, and that aligns squarely with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth.
The people who fill those stadiums and paint the cities green and gold are our clients and they come from the communities we serve every day,” continues Hodnett.
Details of the deal remains a confidentiality clause amongst parties.
Meanwhile, German apparel adidas also confirmed its partnership with SAFA.
Making a return to the SA football, the new 2026/2027 home jersey for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, will be unveiled today.
Most notably, the updated design pays tribute to South Africa’s 12 official languages – a powerful reflection of the nation’s diversity, unity, and shared love for football.
The subtle graphic elements woven into the fabric symbolise the many voices that rise together in stadiums across the country and around the world.
Tom Brown, Senior Marketing Director for adidas South Africa notes, “The iconic adidas SAFA jersey of the 2010 World Cup had a distinctive reference to the diverse national languages of South Africa, represented by 11 small lines in the collar.
This design is re-imaged for a proud new era, with a design pattern which proudly reflects the now 12 national languages on the national jersey”.
Banyana will unveil the new jersey as they open their account in the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, within two weeks, while Bafana open their game in Mexico in the opening of FIFA 2026 World Cup, respectively.
“The jersey is more than match-day apparel – it is a unifying symbol worn by players and fans alike. Designed with bespoke gender fit considerations for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, the kit underscores adidas and SAFA’s commitment to equal elevation of the men’s and women’s game, as both teams continue to make their mark on global tournaments.
We are very excited as SAFA for what this launch will do to motivate our junior teams to continue performing in this jersey as they aspire to one day be senior team members,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.
The away jersey design will be revealed on 19 March alongside other global adidas federations and home jersey will be available from March 20.
Bafana’s farewell international home friendly games with Panama has been pencilled for March 27 in Durban and Cape Town 31, respectively.
Image supplied (From L to Right- Standard Bank Group, Head of Sponsorships, Bonga Sebesho, Bafana Bafana Coach, Hugo Broos, Banyana Banyana Captain, Thembi Kgatlana, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, Banyana Banyana Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, Standard Bank Group Head of Brand Experience, Yolisa Koza, SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao, Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking Head SA, Kabelo Makeke).
