Safa announced that the German sports apparel manufacturer Puma was the new kit sponsor to the national soccer team, and the new kit was received with interesting reactions.

Some felt the kit was hideous, while other fans went as far to suggest the kit would affect how Bafana Bafana played on the pitch (in my opinion, I think those claims are based on superstition more than anything else).

The cost of R899 for the replica home jersey had me thinking  that Safa had pulled a fast one on the loyal Bafana fan. But, after getting through the initial shock (and picking myself up from the floor.), I realised the ridiculous price was because the jersey is a collector’s item than being intended for the normal man in the street. Also the sales of the interim home jersey will be donated to SOS Children Villages in South Africa.

Nothing wrong with giving back to the needy, especially children.



Safa is campaigning for Bafana Bafana's new Puma jersey to be priced below the previous one, and also to include the protea emblem not present on the Adidas jersey (a decision that should be standard for any national replica jersey, I feel).”

The design is also a point of debate, an argument that may be blown out of proportion considering it’s only the interim jersey. The partnership with Puma will be effective as of July 1 and the new kit will be unveiled for all to see. So maybe we should give poor Safa and Puma the benefit of doubt.

If I’m honest, the interim jersey did not really impress me much. But then, I am no fashion guru and if our national team keeps playing with the same pride and passion, what they wear on the pitch is of little significance to me.