This was revealed at the media launch held at SAFA House, Jozi.
The deal means high visibility on-field at all ABSA Premier Soccer League, National First Division, ABC Motsepe League, SAB League, SASOL Women’s League and all cup matches.
The sponsorship extends beyond branded apparel.
At the core of this sponsorship is the development of refereeing in South Africa, to the benefit of both players and supporters.
OUTsurance Head of Brand & Social Engagement, Hazel Chimhandamba said, “We are delighted to partner with SAFA on this first-of-its-kind football sponsorship, which we are certain will advance the standard of refereeing. The team of match officials are the custodians of fair play on the pitch, and we believe that if we can upskill our match officials, we’ll improve the consistency and quality of the officiating which should ultimately improve the overall level of football played.”
The launch also saw the new kit for officials both women and men.
The partnership aims to achieve similar results achieved by OUTsurance’s sponsorship of the SARU match officials, which the insurer has sponsored for approximately 3 years.
“As the South African Football Association, we are excited to partner with a corporate that has already achieved so much with their existing sponsorships, and who we know are determined to making a positive difference in this space.
Our motivation to partner with OUTsurance was that their objectives for the sponsorship aligned with those we have set out for Vision 2022, one of which is specifically the progress and inclusivity of women in football, which will receive assistance from this sponsorship,” says SAFA Deputy Chairperson of Referees, Mbongeni Shibe.
Perhaps this will help referees to be more precise with their decision during the game, avoid being late for matches and soliciting brown envelopes, etc.
The referees official kit will be worn as from this weekend in all matches.
