By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 September 2025- Bafana Bafana have partnered with two of South Africa’s trusted personal care brands, Shield and Vaseline, in a new powerful partnership under the banner of “The Ultimate Defence.”
This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to support the South African senior men’s national team and the nation through a shared celebration of resilience, preparation, and belief in progress – values deeply embedded in both Shield and Vaseline.
Gareth Marshall, Sponsorship Lead at Unilever Southern Africa, expressed excitement following the announcement of the collaboration on 18 September 2025. Marshall said this partnership with Bafana Bafana represents a powerful alignment between our brands and the passion points that truly resonate with South Africans.
“Both Shield and Vaseline are synonymous with protection, performance, and everyday care – values that mirror the dedication and resilience exemplified by our national football team on the field.
“The partnership reflects the emotional connection between South Africans and football, where the beautiful game becomes a symbol of shared unity and pride. By highlighting the stories behind the team, their preparation, setbacks, and triumphs, Shield and Vaseline hope to ignite a deeper sense of belonging and support,” he said.
Marshall further said by associating with Bafana Bafana, they are not only connecting with millions of passionate football fans, but also fostering a sense of national pride and unity. He added that they see this as an opportunity to support the growth of South African football, elevate the fan experience and engage with our consumers in a meaningful way, all while reinforcing the message that with Shield and Vaseline, everyone can move with confidence and embrace the power of movement.
South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO Lydia Monyepao shared her enthusiasm following the announcement of the initiative.
“This partnership is a meaningful step forward in reinforcing the professionalism and preparedness of our national team, both on and off the pitch. It aligns with SAFA’s broader vision to inspire the next generation through excellence, discipline, and unity.
“We welcome brands like Shield and Vaseline who understand the deep cultural significance of football in South Africa and are committed to its growth,” said Monyepao.
The launch event took place at the Safehub in Jabulani, Soweto – a place known for its award-winning sport-for-development model that uses football to engage youth and connect them to education, health, and career opportunities. The day offered an immersive experience that captured the intensity of pre-match preparation and celebrated the emotional bond between South Africans and the beautiful game.
Through #TheUltimateDefence, Shield and Vaseline invite South Africans to become part of a united front, offering not just vocal support, but emotional and cultural protection to the team. It is about what happens before the whistle blows: the preparation, the sweat, the recovery, and the drive to keep moving and putting their skin in the game.
Shield provides the confidence to move without limits, while Vaseline offers protection through healing and care.
Together, these brands represent the drive to keep going and the resilience to bounce back, which are both qualities at the heart of both football and everyday life of South Africans.
To further rally national support, fans stand a chance to win an opportunity to support Bafana Bafana live during the AFCON in Morocco in December, with the competition already open. Details are available through Unilever South Africa channels.
The Guardian 