Sasol exits Safa partnership

The development of women’s football in the country has been dealt a huge blow.

Petroleum company, Sasol, has confirmed that their sponsorship agreement with the South African Football Association (Safa) has not been renewed.

Sasol have been the main sponsor of the women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, as well as the Sasol League for 16 years.

In a statement, Sasol says the deal ended at the end of last month.

“We await feedback from Safa regarding the terms of a potential renewal. Until an agreement is reached, Sasol no longer holds the rights to associate with Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League,” reads the statement.

Official statement on the status of the sponsorship agreement between @SasolSA and @SAFA_net.#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/GQ6PuptXlE

— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) July 2, 2025

“We remain proud of the 16-year partnership with Safa and the significant contribution we have made to the growth and visibility of women’s football in South Africa. Through this partnership, we have helped enable pathways for young women footballers from grassroots level to the international stage. Sasol continues to value the important role that women’s sport plays in driving empowerment and inclusion in South Africa.”

Banyana are currently in Morocco, where they are out to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. Last week, the team boycotted training citing unpaid wages by Safa.

They open their campaign next week Monday against Ghana. Written by Ntsako Mkhari