Banyana Banyana have welcomed the return of Sasol as their sponsor, singing the praises of the women’s football supporter.
Three months after cutting ties, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol have renewed their partnership – penning a four year deal until 2029.
“We are very excited that Sasol is back with the team, they have been with us through all the odds, when the chips were down, when we thought they were going to leave us but they came back – even this time around they came back, so we are excited and we’re hoping that with the results that we keep on giving they can be a proud sponsor for us,” said Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane.
The sponsorship announcement comes at a time when the South African Senior Women’s National team is in contention for a spot at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco scheduled for next year.
The South Africans played to a 1-all draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday (22 October 2025) and the two teams meet in the second leg on Tuesday (28 October) at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
“I think we all know the contribution that Sasol has done for women’s football in South Africa. It would have been a big loss for them not to renew, so we are happy they’re back. They have done so much in terms of the Sasol League, sponsoring Banyana Banyana and maybe we were missing that little bit of luck, and now that Sasol is back in full support, the players love the sponsor because we know how much Sasol has done for us, for the team and for the whole of South Africa – maybe this one we must do it for Sasol,” said assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli, referring to the clash against the DR Congo.
The petroleum company has been behind women’s football for the longest, dating back to 2009 – 16 years and counting.
During this period, SAFA started the Sasol League which is still running to this day, and serves as a conveyor belt to the U17, U20 and Banyana Banyana as well as produce players for the South African elite women’s football league, the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The previous sponsorship cycle concluded on 30 June 2025.
“We are delighted with SASOL’s renewal of the South African senior women’s national team premier partnership to continue the legacy of growing women’s football until 2029,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao in a statement.
Sasol’s partnership with SAFA has seen Banyana Banyana grow in leaps and bounds. Over the years, they participated in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the France 2019 and Australasia 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, won the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and several COSAFA Women’s Championship titles.
“As a proudly South African company, we are honoured to continue this impactful partnership, one that has consistently elevated women’s football and empowered athletes to pursue their dreams on the world’s biggest stages,” said Alex Anderson, Sasol’s Senior Vice President, Group Communication and Brand Management.
“Our long-term vision is to keep championing the advancement of women, with football as a powerful platform for empowerment, visibility, and lasting impact.”
Kickoff between Banyana Banyana and DR Congo is at 7pm.
By Matlhomola Morake
