Sasol received top honours when they were named Nielsen Sports South Africa Sponsor of the Year at this year’s prestigious Momentum gsports Awards held at Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 12 September. The prestigious Sponsor of the Year category honours a commercial sponsor that has exceeded its competitors in supporting women’s sports.
This year marks the 18th edition of Africa’s longest-running women’s sport recognition platform, and to date, more than 200 winners have been honoured since the inception of the gsport Awards, founded in 2006 by Kass Naidoo and Ryk Meiring.
Charlotte Mokoena, Executive Vice President: HR and Stakeholder Relations at Sasol, said: “We are happy to have been recognised at this prestigious sports awards’ ceremony. Sasol was recognised for our pioneering support of the national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, for immersing ourselves in backing this incredible team and setting an exceptional example for other brands to follow.”
“For almost 15 years now, Sasol has proudly stood by Banyana Banyana as the team’s first and sole corporate sponsor, but our involvement in women’s sports goes beyond just sponsorship. It’s about women’s empowerment, inspiration, and promoting gender equality in sports. It’s about celebrating the indomitable spirit and talent of these remarkable young women.”
“We are grateful to Momentum gsport and the public who voted for Sasol and appreciate our partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) that has allowed Sasol to forge an amazing journey with Banyana Banyana. We hope to enable a better world for all athletes touched by our efforts to develop women’s football. Our passion for this cause is unwavering, and we are determined to inspire a future where women shine in all spheres.”
Sasol has been in partnership with SAFA since 2009, with a deliberate aim to improve the status of women’s football in the country. Today this partnership has proven to be fruitful with Banyana Banyana that has won multiple awards over the years, including the team’s successful campaign at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the second consecutive year, they have linched the Team of the Year award, with Athlete of the Year award won by Andile Dlamini, Coach of the Year award won by Desiree Ellis, all handed out at the 2023 Momentum gsports Awards ceremony. The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture also bestowed Banyana Banyana with a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence award for their numerous accomplishments.