Petrochemicals Company Sasol continued its long standing support for South African football by becoming the first corporate sponsor South African Football Association Development Agency (SDA) for R 3 million over the next three years.
The agency is tasked with implementing the South African Football Association (SAFA) Technical Master Plan, dubbed Vision 2022 by incoming president Danny Jordaan. The goal of the plan is to have all SAFA National Teams ranked in the top three in Africa and the top twenty in the world over the next ten years.
“The plan has seven pillars to it. These include the development of a national playing philosophy, the training and licensing of thousands of coaches, the identification and development of talent from the earliest age, as well as organisation of structured competition at a local football association (LFA) level” SAFA spokesperson Matlhomola Morake said in a statement.
The implementation of all seven streams of the Plan must take place at a Local Football Association level. This is where Sasol’s sponsorship will be directed, with the sponsorship reaching two South African Football Association (SAFA) Regions, being Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga and Fezile Dabi in the Free State, over a three year period.
“We are delighted that SASOL has become the first corporate partner in our bold vision to change football from the ground up. Vision 2022 is going to need multiple partners for success, and we hope that SASOL’s confidence in our Vision will inspire others to join”, said Dr Robin Petersen, CEO of the SAFA Development Agency.
Sasol has been involved with the development of football for over 20 years first with the National U/23 Football Team “Amaglug-glug” and more recently with women’s football in Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League and this further cements their commitment to the development of football in the country.
“We are excited about this project and it is an excellent example of how we can deliver through partnerships. Sasol’s approach to sustainable development depends on building strong and mutually beneficial relationships and we are proud to be working with the Football Association and contributing to the master plan,” said Maurice Radebe, Sasol Group Executive.
“When we were preparing to take office, we identified development as the key priority of the SAFA administration. This sponsorship will inspire confidence in our Vision 2022 in the business sector, and will provide us with an important starting point for the implementation of our plan,” says SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan. “Thank you SASOL for your support.”-TDN
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