Laduma! SAA now the official airline partner of Bafana and Banyana

Professor Lamola, interim CEO: “We welcome our national football teams on board, and we look forward to flying them to their various destinations to represent our nation.”

South African Airways (SAA) is delighted to announce that it has entered into a new partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) to be the official carrier of South Africa’s national football teams with effect from 1 June 2024.

SAA interim chief executive officer Professor John Lamola says the airline is proud to be the official carrier of the Association, including Africa Cup of Nations bronze medalists Bafana Bafana, African champions Banyana Banyana, and the junior national teams.

“We are delighted to be associated with national sports brands such as Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. This reaffirms our indisputable position as the national carrier and airline of choice for assignments of strategic importance to our nation.

South African Football Association CEO Lydia Monyepao said the partnership will play a massive role in getting national teams to their destinations for international matches. “We welcome back SAA to help us get to key fixtures in destinations they fly to on a non-exclusive basis. Our approach is to stabilize our commercial partnerships with diverse partners to reduce our cost base and add into our coffers. SAA will play a key role as a strategic partner for our need to travel and compete internationally on a regular basis,” says Monyepao.

The SAA/SAFA partnership, Lamola adds, is in line with the airline’s plans to grow in Africa. It’s a win-win for both SAFA and SAA. The national teams will fly direct to their various destinations, giving players all the rest and comfort they need for a great performance on the pitch, while exposing the SAA brand to key African markets and on television screens of Africa’s football-loving audiences.

“We look forward to carrying these athletes, and the hopes and championship dreams of the nation. It’s our pleasure and privilege to be the official carrier of our national football teams,” added Lamola.