Johannesburg, 1 November 2024 – Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced a dynamic partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA), marking a transformative milestone in advancing women’s football across South Africa. This collaboration not only underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to women’s sports but also brings much-needed resources to support young female athletes from grassroots levels to national competitions.
The partnership will extend Volkswagen’s support to all national women’s teams, including the under-20 (Basetsana), under-17 (Bantwana), and under-15 teams. With a strong emphasis on youth development, Volkswagen will provide SAFA with a fleet of vehicles designed to assist with transport logistics, making it easier to scout, manage competitions, and handle the administrative demands of national teams across the country. This fleet includes models suited for both urban and long-distance travel: the Caddy Kombi Maxi, Crafter 50 23-seater, Tiguan Allspace, and T-Cross, each chosen to meet the unique requirements of SAFA’s mission.
Niels Wichmann, Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, emphasized the synergy between the brand’s goals and the partnership’s mission, saying, “Volkswagen believes that in South Africa, sport—especially soccer—is more than just a game. It has the potential to play a vital role in youth development. Volkswagen is passionate about ‘Moving People Forward’ and is committed to the growth and sustainability of women’s soccer.” By fostering a supportive infrastructure, Wichmann hopes to help these teams reach new heights on the continental stage in their respective age groups.
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan welcomed Volkswagen’s contribution, stating, “The pathway of women’s football needed partners that will support football at grassroots through scouts, women’s competitions, and all women’s national teams including Banyana Banyana. Our ability to go far and wide to find new gems and attend to administrative logistics is important.”
With an increasing global focus on women’s sports, this partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for SAFA, supporting not only the growth of established teams but also cultivating a strong foundation for emerging players. As Volkswagen’s vehicles become an essential part of SAFA’s operations, the partnership reinforces a shared vision of inclusivity and accessibility in sports, bringing opportunities closer to young girls across the country.
