The South African Football Association (SAFA) and French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif have announced the conclusion of their five-year partnership, which will officially end in December 2025.
The French brand, which filed for bankruptcy last year, took over as SAFA’s technical sponsor in 2021, replacing Nike as the official kit supplier for all national teams.
“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,” SAFA said in a statement.
“A standout initiative during this period was the launch of a special-edition black kit aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence. It was worn by Banyana Banyana® as they made history by reaching the Round of 16 at a FIFA tournament for the first time.
“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 a national team jersey. 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 the 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 power to inspire social change.”
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said: “Our relationship started with many challenges but inspired a great deal of on-field success for all our national teams, especially Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. We thank Le Coq Sportif for the partnership and wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Ernst van den Berg, Director of Le Coq Sportif South Africa, added:
“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.”
Le Coq Sportif is expected to be replaced by Adidas as SAFA’s new technical sponsor. However, the French brand will continue to supply kits for Bafana Bafana during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled for December and January.
Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana will wear their new Adidas kits during the March FIFA international break and at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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