SAFA has explained the inspiration behind the new 2026/27 home kit for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, following its Tuesday unveiling by Adidas.
Developed in collaboration with Adidas, the kit blends deep-rooted nostalgia with the cutting-edge technology required for the modern game.
The design serves as a powerful bridge between South Africa’s golden past, a nod to the legacy of 2010 and its ambitious future.
The jersey retains the unmistakable yellow base with green trim, the silhouette has been reimagined.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BAFANA BAFANA AND BANYANA BANYANA NEW JERSEY
While the South African football governing body revealed that the new Jersey’s inspiration comes from the 2010 kit, the refined construction is built for high-performance demands, ensuring the players remain cool and agile under the global spotlight.
In addition, the new pattern is reimagined to include 12 lines, proudly acknowledging the official status of South African Sign Language.
“Drawing inspiration from the unforgettable 2010 jersey – a symbol of pride during a defining moment for South African football – the new design honours that legacy while stepping confidently into a new era,” reads the SAFA statement.
“The 2026/2027 home jersey retains the unmistakable yellow base with green trim, a colour palette synonymous with national pride. Elevated detailing and refined construction modernise the silhouette, delivering a performance-driven jersey built for the demands of today’s global game.”
WHAT SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR ADIDAS HAD TO SAY ABOUT BAFANA AND BANYANA NEW JERSEY
Tom Brown, senior marketing director for adidas South Africa, highlighted how the kit reflects the evolving identity of the nation.
“The iconic adidas SAFA jersey of the 2010 World Cup had a distinctive reference to the diverse national languages of South Africa, represented by 11 small lines in the collar. This design is re-imaged for a proud new era, with a design pattern which proudly reflects the now 12 national languages on the national jersey,” added Brown.
‘THE JERSEY IS MORE THAN MATCHDAY APPAREL’: SAFA CEO LYDIA MONYEPAO
Meanwhile, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao emphasised that the partnership with adidas focuses heavily on inclusivity. Unlike “one-size-fits-all” designs of the past, featuring bespoke gender-fit considerations tailored specifically for the physical requirements of both the men’s and women’s squads.
“The jersey is more than matchday apparel – it is a unifying symbol worn by players and fans alike. Designed with bespoke gender fit considerations for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, the kit underscores adidas and SAFA’s commitment to equal elevation of the men’s and women’s game, as both teams continue to make their mark in global tournaments,” said Monyepao.
“In two weeks South Africans will see Banyana Banyana launch the kit on opening day of the WAFCON 2026 tournament in Morocco. And in 100 days will see Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in the opening game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. We are very excited as SAFA for what this launch will do to motivate our junior teams to continue performing in this jersey as they aspire to one day be senior team members.”
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