R1.7m injection for SAFA Vhembe
Safa Vhembe has secured a R1.7m sponsorship from Singo Fuel, ending three seasons without a sponsor and increasing prize money for competitions.
LIMPOPO – More than 190 teams affiliated with Safa Vhembe have received a major financial boost following a R1.7 million sponsorship from Singo Fuel.
The league had been without a sponsor for the past three seasons after the previous sponsor opted not to renew its sponsorship agreement.
R1.7m over three seasons
Singo Fuel, under the leadership of managing director Robert Nesengani, has committed R1.7 million over three seasons, from 2025/26 to 2027/28.
SAFA Vhembe secretary Sam Matodzi confirmed that the association had secured the sponsorship.
“The sponsorship will be spread over three seasons, which means approximately R566 000 will be allocated each season.”
Prize money increased
He said the sponsorship had enabled the association to increase prize money for its competitions.
| Competition | Previous prize | New prize |
|---|---|---|
| Champions of Champions winners | R60 000 | R100 000 |
| Champions of Champions runners-up | R40 000 | R70 000 |
| Losing semi-finalists (each) | – | R25 000 |
Matodzi also confirmed that the winners of the league’s 10 streams will compete in the regional promotional play-offs on July 4-5 at various venues, with the final scheduled for July 11 at Thohoyandou Stadium.
He thanked Singo Fuel for investing in local football.
“Football is a community-building sport. We are grateful to Singo Fuel for supporting local football despite the economic hardships facing many businesses.”
Matodzi said government alone could not solve the country’s unemployment crisis and urged other businesses to follow Singo Fuel’s example.
“Sport has become an important source of employment and opportunity for many young people,” he said.
Singo Fuel: ‘Charity begins at home’
Nesengani said he was encouraged by the growth of football in rural areas and hoped the sponsorship would contribute to developing the game.
“It is our wish to see the association producing players who can go on to represent professional teams,” he said, while appealing to the association to ensure the funds are used responsibly.
Explaining the company’s decision to sponsor the league, Nesengani said Singo Fuel believes in supporting local communities.
“We believe that charity begins at home. If our young people participate in sport, they will stay away from trouble. Soccer can also provide opportunities to earn a living.”
Young people urged to combine sport and education
He also urged young people to take education seriously.
“Young people should not rush to make quick money before securing their future. Education opens many doors for sportspeople and artists. It also helps them understand contracts and prepares them for life after sport.”
Nesengani warned that many talented soccer players had ended their lives in poverty despite successful careers because they neglected their education.
“The right path is to combine education with sport while pursuing your dreams,” he said.
