Absa’s sponsorship of South Africa’s top flight, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will come to an end at the end of the current season.
The relationship between Absa and the PSL began with the Absa Cup from 2004-2007.
The Bank then took over the title sponsorship of the Premiership from 2007-2020.
The PSL released a statement on Thursday to ratify the development.
The statement which was signed by Daniel Mminele, the Chief Executive of Absa Group, described the soon-to-end alliance as fruitful.
“We have enjoyed a long, fruitful relationship with the PSL and have supported the PSL’s work in South African football and sports7 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,” Mminele said.
“We would like to thank the PSL and the football community for the excellent partnership and support over the years,” said Mminele.
PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza then thanked Absa for it’s support for the past 16 years.
“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,” Khoza.
The Absa Premiership captured the imagination of football-loving people in South Africa and across the African Continent.
Fans of the game accumulated memorabilia such as photos; soccer jerseys; digital images and videos, spawning a thriving merchandise industry for small businesses as well.
Dr. Khoza concluded by reminiscing on the happy memories created by the union between the two institutions.
“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,” he added.
