CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s soccer association has reached a five-year sponsorship deal with Nike, with the American sportswear label replacing German manufacturer Puma.
Terms were not disclosed of the deal announced Tuesday.
The sponsorship begins Feb. 1. Nike says it will make a “limited edition” outfit for South Africa’s exhibition against Brazil in Johannesburg in March.
Puma ended its agreement with South Africa last year over allegations of match-fixing in the country’s pre-World Cup exhibitions in 2010. FIFA asked South Africa to investigate the allegations but little has been done.
South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan says the Nike deal is part of the process of rebuilding the country’s soccer reputation. The national team has been severely criticized by South Africans for poor performances.
