Picture: Bafana Bafana squad/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 October 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) and renowned French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif have announced the conclusion of their five-year partnership, set to officially end on 31 December 2025. Launched just prior to the global pandemic, the collaboration has been defined by landmark achievements and powerful moments in South African football.
Together, SAFA and Le Coq Sportif celebrated Banyana Banyana’s historic victory at the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. A standout initiative during this period was the launch of a special-edition black kit aimed at raising awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and it was worn by Banyana Banyana® as they made history by reaching the Round of 16 at a FIFA tournament for the first time.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said the partnership also championed fan engagement and creativity through the “Designed By You” competition, which saw South African designer Lwazi Cedrick Ngcungama win the opportunity to design the national team jersey. Monyepao said this first-of-its-kind initiative reflected South Africa’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
“Another iconic moment came with the unveiling of the silver “Ivory” kit, worn by Bafana Bafana® during their bronze-medal campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The kit symbolized innovation and a bold departure from traditional national colours. Additionally, the pink kit worn by Banyana Banyana® in their high-profile match against England supported the Pink Drive campaign, raising awareness for breast cancer and showcasing football’s potential to drive social change,” she said.
Monyepao further said their relationship started with many challenges, but inspired a lot of on-field success for all their national teams, specifically their senior teams, Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.
“We want to thank Le Coq Sportif for the partnership and we wish them well in their future endeavours,” said Monyepao.
Ernst van den Berg, Director of Le Coq Sportif South Africa said: “We are proud of the role we played in supporting South African football during this period and the memories we created together.
“From ground-breaking kit designs to shared historic achievements, it has been a privilege to stand alongside SAFA and the players who inspire the nation.”
Van den Berg said as the partnership draws to a close, both SAFA and Le Coq Sportif reflect on a legacy of innovation, unity, and impact, on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, SAFA has announced Adidas as its new sponsor.
The Guardian 