The deal is for five years but according to Dennis Mumble, SAFA CE- it has no monetary exchange.
“This premium partnership allows SAA to join the ranks of global corporates as a premium partner of our country’s Men’s Senior National Team and is nothing less than a hat-trick for South African Airways, as it covers the three crucial elements for partnerships in that it offers the airline commercial benefits; partner engagement and marketing platforms; and fulfils the airline’s mandate to support the country’s developmental objectives,” said Dudu Myeni, SAA Chairperson.
The partnership provides SAA branding opportunities on the team training kit, casual wear and stadium advertising during Bafana Bafana games and all other national team squads.
Over and above this, SAA will have access to national team players for specific SAA events and match tickets to Bafana Bafana home games.
Dennis Mumble SAFA CEO was equally pleased with the sponsorship deal.
“It is quite significant that both of these national assets will now work in partnership again to keep the flag of Brand South Africa flying high all around the world,” said Mumble.
No monetary value was mentioned.
The social media went abuzz with one posing: “Explain to me how a bankrupt parastatal that depends on handouts from the public purse for its survival can sponsor any sports team. Doesn’t it mean that it is the SA taxpayer sponsoring Bafana?”
The second one went as far as asking: “was Dudu was instructed by Guptas to clinch the deal?”
The controversial Myeni, who is reportedly ruining the national carrier, has a close relationship with President JG Zuma,
Meanwhile, Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba is having sleepless nights as a result of withdrawal of players due to injuries.
Platinum Stars striker Ndumiso Mabena was also in attendance alongside Thulani Serero and Mandla Masango.
Mabena has replaced the injured Dino Ndlovu.
According to SAFA’s website, the Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Themba Zwane, Asavela Mbekile and Hlompho Kekana also joined the squad.
The good news is that defenders Anele Ngcongca and Thabo Matlaba managed to complete the full training session as they are still under medical observation for an abdominal muscle strain and a painful toe respectively.
Andile Jali continued to train on his own due to a dislocated shoulder, while fellow midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo had to be rested halfway through the session because of tight thigh muscles.
Bafana Bafana face Cameroon on Saturday, March 26 at Stade Omnisport de Limbe in Limbe, Cameroon.
Kick-off is at 15:30 local time (16:30 SA time).
South Africa departs for the West African country on Thursday, March 24.
The return leg will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday, March 29.
Kick-off is at 19:00.
