Johannesburg - Nike is reported to be lining up a shock coup d’etat by becoming official shirt sponsor of Bafana Bafana after it emerged on Thursday the South African Football Association (SAFA) was close to ending its 12-year relationship with adidas.
According to Business Day, adidas will have the right of first refusal when its contract with SAFA expires at the end of the year, but the two parties could go their separate ways after Nike made a presentation that impressed the football association.
“Our contract with adidas is about to come to an end and that means we are open to offers,” said SAFA vice-president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana.
“We will start with them (adidas) because they have rights of first refusal but if we feel that our value is higher than what they offer us, then obviously we will have to look elsewhere.”
Relations between SAFA and adidas have been strained since revelations that the old SAFA regime - led by former president Molefi Oliphant - tried to cut costs and told adidas last year that the replica jersey should no longer be produced with the Protea emblem.
According to Business Day, adidas will have the right of first refusal when its contract with SAFA expires at the end of the year, but the two parties could go their separate ways after Nike made a presentation that impressed the football association.
“Our contract with adidas is about to come to an end and that means we are open to offers,” said SAFA vice-president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana.
“We will start with them (adidas) because they have rights of first refusal but if we feel that our value is higher than what they offer us, then obviously we will have to look elsewhere.”
Relations between SAFA and adidas have been strained since revelations that the old SAFA regime - led by former president Molefi Oliphant - tried to cut costs and told adidas last year that the replica jersey should no longer be produced with the Protea emblem.