By Dylan Bettencourt
- Sasol confirmed its sponsorship deal with Safa ended on 30 June and will not be automatically renewed.
- Banyana Banyana are already in Morocco preparing to face Ghana in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener on Monday.
Women’s football in South Africa has taken a major blow after Sasol ended its 16-year sponsorship of Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League.
The fuel company confirmed on Wednesday that its deal with the South African Football Association (Safa) expired on 30 June.
“Sasol no longer holds the rights to associate with Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League,” the company said. “We await feedback from Safa regarding the terms of a potential renewal.”
It means Banyana Banyana will head into their next tournament without a title sponsor for the first time in years.
Sasol’s support helped build the women’s game from the ground up.
Many stars who now play for the national team came through the Sasol League, which gave young players a path from local clubs to international fame.
Sasol said it was proud of its role in promoting women’s football and would consider renewing the deal if new terms could be agreed.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana are already in Morocco, preparing for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener against Ghana on Monday at Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana players during training.
Image source: @Banyana_Banyana
