By Destine Nde
Following an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup run in North America, the interest — and level of investment — in South African football are at an all-time high. Fans are excited to see whether their heroes will capitalise on the experience gained at the World Cup — the mistakes made and the lessons learned – when entering the African Football Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament beginning in Morocco early next year.
They are also keen to watch the performances of the two newly promoted sides, Milford FC and Kruger United, in the Betway Premiership, as well as those of newly signed players, and to be on the lookout for rising stars.
The same can be said about the government, the South African Football Association (SAFA), club owners and other relevant stakeholders. They have every reason to promote interest in the sport, to invest more in it and, ultimately, in Bafana Bafana. Orlando Pirates, for example, won three titles last season for the first time in 14 years; Mamelodi Sundowns won the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Championship, Africa’s equivalent of the European Champions League; and Bafana Bafana made history by qualifying for the knock-out stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Undoubtedly these are encouraging accomplishments, and call for those in charge to build on them going forward – among others, as Bafana Bafana’s veteran coach and tactician, the Belgian Hugo Broos, has advised, to ‘carry the World Cuop momentum into AFCON’.
Government investment in VAR
Accordingly, this season’s theme is ‘professionalisation’. The government is making its biggest ever investment in the game – a sum of R20 million, for introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Betway Premiership. NEC Member and Finance Chair Mxolisi Sibam has told reporters: ‘They have given us R20 million to implement VAR this season. I can confirm that we have received the funding. The money is in the bank.’
SAFA has also begun a landmark partnership with Standard Bank. The deal, announced on the SAFA website in March this year, is aimed at promoting Bafana Bafana and Bafanya Bafanya by sponsoring domestic clubs and grass-roots teams. More broadly, it is aimed at oiling the machine that produces national team players. “This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs,” said SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan.
One of the heaviest criticisms after Bafana Bafana lost 0-2 to Mexico in the World Cup opener was that the top domestic competition was not competitive enough, and did not adequately prepare players for the speed and intensity of World Cup football.
Therefore, Dr Danny added: ‘Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.’
According to Standard Bank CEO David Hodnett , the sponsorship is a ‘natural extension’ of the bank’s commitment to South Africa. ‘Football remains the most widely followed sport in South Africa, playing a unique role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride …. Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, and that aligns squarely with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth.’
Betway Premiership
The Betway Premiership itself is in the middle of a three-year R900 million sponsorship that is reshaping the financial landscape of South African football. In fact, in the words of Betway Africa CEO Laurence Michel, ‘This partnership is the biggest single investment in South African sport’.
And League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has noted: ‘This is a massive boost for every lover of football in this country … it heralds a wonderful future for our game.’
Another criticism aimed at Africa as a whole after the FIFA World Cup is that of unstable institutions and inconsistency. Accordingly, Dr Irvin has said: ‘The rights secured through this agreement will provide stability to our clubs, certainty to our supporters, opportunities for our players, and a foundation upon which the next generation of South African football can continue to grow.’
South African clubs earned R81.1 million from FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Club Benefits Programme. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, for example, had eight players each in Bafana Bafana’s squad. For this, the clubs pocketed R25.2million each.
Club owners too are making major investments on an individual level, signing off on record transfer budgets and rebuilding large portions of their squads, academies and infrastructures. A typical example is last season’s relegation survivor, Marumo Gallants. Their president, Abram Sello, has appointed a new coach and signed up to 13 new players.
The 2026/7 Betway Premiership opened on Saturday 1 August, with both Soweto Giants in action, and the newcomers learning how tough life in the top flight can be.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates’ 2-0 win over newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium sent an early message: the Buccaneers are here to retain their crown. Kaizer Chiefs too enjoyed a confident start on the road, beating fellow newcomers Kruger United 3-1 in Mbombela.
The other biggest name, African Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns were missing in action. Their clash against Marumo Gallants was postponed because of the tragic death of their and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams early last month, which significantly affected their pre-season programme. The fixture has been moved to 19 August.
Elsewhere AmaZulu put up a stunning performance away from home, edging Stellenbosch 1-0, while Sehkukhune United thrashed Durban City 1-0, and Polokwane City came from behind to beat Richard’s Bay 2-1 in dramatic fashion.
Golden Arrows and Chippa United played out a 0-0 stalemate, and Siwelele FC and TS Galaxy shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Matchday 2 fixtures are scheduled to kick-off at 19:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 and 12 August. With Sundowns and Pirates expected to challenge for the title, and with the newcomers eager to prove themselves, the 2026/27 season promises the same mix of ambition and excitement that makes the Premiership so compelling.
What’s more, expectations of Kaizer Chiefs in particular are extremely high, especially now that their fellow Sowetan club and arch-rival Pirates are wearing the crown and two other titles besides. Fans expect Amakhosi to step up their game and become the top contender they once were, competing with Pirates and Sundowns not only for the title, or the best run in the CAF champions League, but also the number of players in the national squad.
IMAGES: Orlando Pirates website and Facebook page.