27 May 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank hosted a formal send-off for Bafana Bafana at the group’s Rosebank headquarters, bringing together employees and stakeholders to show their support for the South African senior men’s national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which commences in just over two weeks.
Standard Bank is a proud official partner of SAFA, serving as the premier sponsor of Bafana Bafana and an associate sponsor of Banyana Banyana, as well as supporting various grassroots national teams.
“Football is the heartbeat of our nation. When Bafana Bafana take to the field, they carry with them the hopes, pride and spirit of millions of South Africans,” said Kabelo Makeke, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank PPB South Africa.
“As a committed partner of SAFA and a long-standing supporter of South African football, Standard Bank is honoured to stand alongside the team as they prepare to compete on the world stage. This partnership reflects our belief in the power of sport to unite communities, inspire young people and showcase the very best of South Africa to a global audience.”
In the lead-up to the tournament’s opening match, scheduled for 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico, Bafana Bafana will play their final international friendly against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium (Amstel Arena) on 29 May 2026, ahead of their departure for the FIFA World Cup.
The match against Nicaragua represents an important milestone in the team’s preparations and provides supporters with a final opportunity to rally behind the national side before they depart for the global showpiece.
Standard Bank encourages South Africans to attend the match in large numbers, show their support and unite behind the team as they represent the country on the international stage.
Bonga Sebesho, Head of Sponsorship at Standard Bank, commented: “Football remains a powerful force for unity and national pride in South Africa. Occasions such as these underscore the important role that sport plays in bringing communities together. We wish the team every success as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup.”
The bank believes that Bafana Bafana’s journey reflects the aspirations of millions of South Africans and that the team’s participation on the world stage is a source of collective pride for the nation.
“ It is a good feeling to finally come to our main partner Standard Bank’s main office for the team to meet all the staff, including the executives. We value all the efforts by the bank to create the send-off breakfast as a demonstration of support for SAFA and Bafana Bafana. We are focused on delivering value through performance of the team and positive value for our partner though the sponsorship,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
As anticipation continues to build, Standard Bank encourages supporters to wear their green and gold, fill the stands and help create a memorable atmosphere as the team takes to the field against Nicaragua before departing for Mexico.
“We are proud to stand alongside Bafana Bafana at this significant moment. We wish the team strength, confidence and every success as they represent South Africa at the FIFA World Cup,” Sebesho concluded.
South African Football: The team played its first official match against Cameroon on July 17, 1992.
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