Sponsorship - something old, something new

Kitting out the teams

The global sport lifestyle brand has become the official technical supplier to SAFA and will provide for all associated South African teams, including the Men's Senior National team, Youth and Women's teams. The brand is also SAFA's official partner in relation to replica kits, fan wear and other merchandise. The South African Men's Senior National team will first wear the new kit during their next fixture scheduled for 10 August 2011.

The new branded South Africa kit was launched in Johannesburg yesterday, 7 June 2011, by South African captain Steven Pienaar along with Siphiwe Tshabalala, Renielwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Katlego Mphela. The shirt will feature both the Protea and SAFA badges. In line with company's CSR commitment to Africa, all proceeds from replica home shirts sales will be donated to the SOS Children Villages in South Africa, a cause designated by the South African Football Association.

Christian Voigt, senior head of global sports marketing at Puma said, "We are delighted to enter into this new partnership with SAFA, as the company has a longstanding commitment to Africa and African football and this new relationship further underlines our continuing investment in the continent."

Kirsten Nematandani, SAFA president said, "To announce this new commercial relationship is a privilege for us and we are very happy to have secured this deal. The company's presence in African football really speaks for itself, and it is the most desirable company for us to align ourselves with. Its technical innovation and excellence is of course important, but more so is the heritage and support it has demonstrated for this continent over a number of years. It is the perfect partner as we strive to grow the profile of football in South Africa in the years to come."

South Africa will become the twelfth current African international team to be currently outfitted by the German company, which is also supplying the Orange African Cup of Nations champions Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Togo, Burkina Faso, Malawi and Namibia.

Winning wines go on tour

Co-convened by Wine magazine and leading SA wine authority and chairman of the judging panel, Michael Fridjhon, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show has garnered a reputation for the highest standards and quality in the country. Gold medals are awarded sparingly by the tasting panel, which comprises three international and six South African judges, who this year judged more than a thousand wines over four days at the five-Star Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl.

"Old Mutual is proud of its 10-year sponsorship of the this prestigious event on South Africa's wine calendar," said Joy Khaole, the company' sponsorship manager. "Not only does it provide us with opportunities to build relationships with the wine-loving community, it also enables us to support the pursuit of excellence in an industry important to the reputation of Brand South Africa."

The wealth management company's support of the show made it possible to work in a judging venue that meets the highest international standards, Fridjhon said.

As part of its role as headline sponsor, the group takes the top wines on a national roadshow to introduce them to discerning wine lovers in seven cities in Southern Africa. The Cape Town and Johannesburg public tastings taking place on 9-10 June, where wine enthusiasts will be able to sample 141 award-winning wines from the show.

The delegates will also receive a copy of Icons, the book detailing all the winning wines, together with vintage information, advice about wine service and chapters contributed by some of the international judges. The guide will be included free with the July issue of Wine, on newsstands from Tuesday 21 June.

For more information on the tour, go to www.winemag.co.za.