Absa no longer the premiership anchor sponsor for PSL

Absa and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will, sadly, be ending their sponsorship relationship at the end of the current season. Absa made the announcement on Thursday 4 June. 

Absa has had a 16-year relationship with football in South Africa, 13 of which have been as the sponsor of the Absa Premiership since 2007.

ABSA NO LONGER THE ANCHOR SPONSOR FOR PSL 

Chief Executive of Absa Group Daniel Mminele said soccer will always remain close to their hearts and despite the decision to split ways in terms of sponsorship, it is looking at other avenues in which to continue a relationship with the PSL. 

“We have enjoyed a long, fruitful relationship with the PSL and have supported the PSL’s work in South African football and sports development. While we will no longer be the anchor sponsor for the PSL, soccer will always remain close to our hearts. We are therefore exploring alternative options to continue our relationship with the PSL,” said Mminele. 

“We would like to thank the PSL and the football community for the excellent partnership and support over the years,” said Mminele.

ABSA PREMIERSHIP A REFERENCE POINT FOR FOOTBALL GLORY 

PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza said the union will always be legendary. 

“The Absa Premiership era will forever be a reference point for football glory, both in terms of club development and player performance in our sports history. The PSL is grateful to Absa for strengthening the league to true professionalism,” said PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

The Absa Premiership captured the imagination of football-loving people in South Africa and across the African Continent. Fans of the game accumulated memorabilia such as photos; soccer jerseys; digital images and videos, spawning a thriving merchandise industry for small businesses as well.

“Memory is a prized component for football followers around the world. The period of 2007 to 2020 will be etched in the memories of football fans as a highpoint in the PSL,” added Khoza.

SA FOOTBALL COULD RETURN SOON BUT UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS

Professional football clubs have been given the green light to return to training in June 2020 but can only do so once they have been granted government authorisation, of course. 

No training or matches of any kind may take place in the so-called hotspots. Football associations will obviously need to present its case, detailing how it will incorporate the relevant safety protocols into its return.  

There are currently 37 525 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa with a total of 792 deaths. As the numbers continue to rise toward an inevitable peak, having the necessary safety measures and protocols in place, has never been as pertinent as it is now.