The announcement was made by both Nike and football controlling body South African Football Association on Tuesday.
The five-year deal which replaces German sport company Puma comes into effect from Feb 1.
According to statement, Nike says it’ll make a “limited edition” kit for Bafana Bafana’s friendly against Brazil in Johannesburg in March.
Last year rumour-mill filled media houses but as customary both Nike and SAFA denied such talks.
The German company to pull the plug following SAFA’s last year allegations of match-fixing in the country’s pre-World Cup friendlies in 2010, amongst others.
FIFA asked South Africa to investigate the allegations but little has been done, although the minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula promised the report will be made public as soon as President JG Zuma has made his recommendations.
Well, thanks Minister Mbalula for letting it slip when he addressed a media brief recently by accidentally mentioning ‘Nike’ during his speech on poor display by Bafana.
“This partnership signifies Nike’s deep commitment to support and advance South African football at all levels of the game, from the national team to grassroots football,” said Laurent Payre, General Manager, Nike Africa.
“We look forward to providing innovative product technology to help players reach their full potential, and to helping shape the future success of South African football.”
South Africa joins Nike’s impressive portfolio of Federation sponsorships including Brasil, England, France, Korea, Netherlands, Portugal and US Soccer team.
The 2015-2016 kit will be unveiled in November 2014, with an assortment of supporter-wear being available from early January 2015.
The partnership also provides SAFA with access to the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto, a world-class training facility built by Nike in 2010.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan says the Nike deal is part of the process of rebuilding South Africa’s football reputation with the national team struggling and severely criticized at home for poor performances.
The deal includes all national teams receiving Nike’s innovative team kits across performance and training and equipment including match balls.
No details were given on how much is the five-year deal worth?
Currently, Nike is the technical sponsor for PSL outfits Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
Hopefully Bafana will ‘JUST DO IT’ THE RIGHT THING…
