Adidas returns as technical supplier of SAFA following Le Coq Sportif exit

Global sports brand adidas has returned as kit supplier of all South Africa’s national teams as the contract of French brand, Le Coq Sportif, ends with the African Cup of Nations, in December.

The new deal comes following the qualification of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa Football Association (SAFA) made the announcement on its Official X handle.

Under the three-year deal, Adidas becomes the official technical sponsor for SAFA’s national teams, including the men’s Bafana Bafana, women’s Banyana Banyana, and youth teams, with the iconic three stripes set to feature on their kits from March 24, 2026.

“This partnership is more than a sponsorship – it’s a return to shared values of pride, resilience, and performance. adidas has long been part of our football story, and together we’ll inspire South Africans everywhere to believe that they’ve got what it takes. This return also marks the strengthening of our standing among the global football nations community as we compete at FIFA and CAF tournaments regularly and being supported by a brand that invests in innovation, performance and style to meet the needs of a modern sports organisation like us,” said Lydia Monyepao, the SAFA Chief Executive Officer.

Senior Brand Director, adidas South Africa, Tom Brown said: “Football has the power to change lives whilst uniting and inspiring. adidas has a proud and rich football heritage, pioneering products for the best teams and athletes around the world.

“We’re proud to again stand alongside Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and other SAFA teams as they represent the spirit of South Africa on the international stage.”

The contract of Le Coq Sportif’s which has provided kits for all SAFA teams since 2020 will expire in December.

Le Coq Sportif’s Ground-breaking kit designs/Social Change campaign

Le Coq Sportif will be remembered for its creativity and innovation which led to fan engagement with the “Designed By You” competition.

This enabled South African designer, Lwazi Cedrick Ngcungama win the opportunity to design the national team jersey. This first-of-its-kind initiative reflected South Africa’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.

“Ivory” kit, worn by Bafana Bafana® during their bronze-medal campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, was another milestone for the French brand.

Le Coq Sportif equally introduced the pink kit worn by Banyana Banyana® in their high-profile match against England to support the Pink Drive campaign. This helped to raise awareness for breast cancer and showcasing football’s potential to drive social change.