Spar and netball have maintained a strong relationship throughout this century, with the supermarket giant recently extending its sponsorship until 2027. The announcement was made by Netball South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Spar first got involved in netball in 2000, and its dedication to the prominent women’s sport in South Africa has been unwavering ever since.
The 24-year sponsorship of the Spar Proteas is the longest team title sponsorship in South Africa, and its partnership with Netball South Africa (NSA) is among the country’s lengthiest federation sponsorships.
Under the new sponsorship agreement, Spar’s title sponsorship includes the national team, the Spar Proteas; the Under-21 team, the Spar Baby Proteas; the national senior and Under-21 Championships, a home Test series, and one or more international teams in the form of the Spar Netball Challenge.
Additionally, Spar will be an associate sponsor of the national Fast Five Senior team, the Telkom Netball League, and the men’s national championships.
In the announcement, Spar Group Marketing Director Keegan Alicks emphasized the importance of sports as a platform for brand-building, particularly in the realm of women’s sports.
“The vast majority of our customers are women, and we feel a duty to support them in return. Netball is the most popular sport among women, who play crucial roles in South Africa.”
Spar Group Marketing Director, Keegan Alicks
Spar feels privileged to be part of netball and sporting history, especially after supporting the first African Netball World Cup in Cape Town alongside Telkom and other netball sponsors last year,” Alicks added.
Alicks mentioned Spar’s earnest commitment to the partnership and expressed confidence in their solid working relationship with NSA.
“We believe our future can only strengthen. As the longest-standing sponsor of netball, our sponsorship of the Spar Proteas remains one of the lengthiest headline sponsorship agreements with a national team,” Alicks stated.
NSA President Cecilia Molokwane shared her excitement about extending the partnership with Spar. “Over the years, Spar has been a source of unwavering support, providing commitment and resources crucial to our success,” she remarked.
“Their genuine passion for women’s sports and their dedicated efforts to empower our players deeply resonate with our values and mission. Spar embodies women empowerment beyond just being a sponsor.”
NSA President Cecilia Molokwane
“Spar’s support for women’s sports, particularly netball, has been a source of hope and inspiration for numerous young girls and women. By investing in women’s empowerment, Spar is shaping a brighter future for our nation and leaving a significant legacy,” Molokwane added.
“As we celebrate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, let’s acknowledge the progress made in women’s sports. The advancements we see today stem from the foundations laid by courageous women of the past who fought against silence, marginalization, and exclusion. We honor their memory by continuing the fight for equality and empowerment,” Molokwane concluded.
Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Supermarket giant Spar has renewed its sponsorship of Netball South Africa until 2027. Pictured (from left) Charlene Subbarayan (Spar National Events and Sponsorship Manager), Mpudi Maubane (Spar National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager) , Cecilia Molokwane (President of Netball South Africa), and Modiegi Komane (CEO of Netball South Africa) at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Pictured at the contract signing ceremony is Spar National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Mpudi Maubane. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane speaks during the announcement that Supermarket giant Spar has renewed its sponsorship. Photo: Supplied
