The South African Football Association, SAFA, has signed a five-year partnership with Unilever deodorant brand, Shield. While no figures were given, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao stated the deal would help women’s football.
“Bringing in more corporate sponsors on board, especially in the women’s game, will assist us in our efforts to close the gender pay parity gap and also increase opportunities for Banyana Banyana to secure better opposition in order to remain competitive globally,” Monyepao said on safa.net.
SAFA did not disclose if the deal covered all national teams, but Shiled is a sponsor of the ongoing Women’s World Cup, which suggests the partnership is for Banyana Banyana more than for Bafana Bafana.
“We also believe that the association with Unilever South Africa comes at the perfect time when we are bidding to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. Should our dream become a reality, we are confident that this partnership will grow bigger and stronger, with women’s football in this country ultimately the biggest winner,” noted the CEO of SAFA.
SAFA has recently appointed a Women’s Football Manager in an effort to show more support for the women’s game. The association came under negative spotlight with Banyana Banyana before the Women’s World Cup with payment issues for staff and players.