PSL

Absa ends 13-year-long PSL sponsorship

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The Absa Premiership Trophy

Absa have announced that the sponsorship of the Absa Premiership will not be renewed when their contract expires at the end of the current season, ending a 13-year deal as the PSL’s lead sponsor.

The news broke on Thursday afternoon in an announcement which shocked the South African football community.

The bank has been the lead sponsor of the top flight since 2007 and with their departure the league now faces massive uncertainty during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

‘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 Daniel Mminele, chief executive of Absa Group.

‘We would like to thank the PSL and the football community for the excellent partnership and support over the years,’ added Mminele.

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza thanked Absa for their impact on South African football but gave no indication of the way forward for the league.

‘The Absa Premiership era will forever be a reference point for football glory, both in term of club development and player performance in our sports history. The PSL is grateful to Absa for strengthening the league to true professionalism,’ he said.

‘Memory is a prized component for football followers around the world. The period of 2007 to 2020 will forever be etched in the memories of football fans as a highpoint in the PSL,’ concluded the chairman.