With Vodacom, fans always have home-ground advantage
Our relationship with football across Africa transcends sponsorship – it’s a story of unity, innovation and empowerment. Whether it’s through fostering relationships with iconic clubs, empowering fans through technology or driving grassroots talent development, Vodacom uses football as a catalyst to create shared moments of passion and possibility.
South Africa: on the shoulders of the Soweto giants
In South Africa, football – or soccer, as many prefer to call it – unites communities like no other sport, and Vodacom’s commitment to fostering this unity and passion reflects this cultural phenomenon. Our 25-year partnerships with the two Soweto giants of football, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, exemplify the Spirit of Vodacom – a focus on inspiring collaboration and loyalty while bringing fans closer to football’s heartbeat.
Few moments captivate the nation like the Soweto Derby, an event that draws 90 000 passionate fans. There is no better way for a brand to speak to football supporters.
Beyond the Derby: giving fans the best of football
- The Tsamaya Pre-Season Fan Tour is possibly the greatest fan experience in South African football history. (“Tsamaya” in South African soccer refers to a flashy dribbling trick, often used to show off skill or embarrass an opponent.) We’re making it possible for fans to join Chiefs and Pirates on a tour to Europe, gaining rare behind-the-scenes access, training sessions and direct interactions with players. This initiative aligns with our belief in creating opportunities and lifelong memories for our customers.
- KC Mobile SIM cards: Being a Kaizer Chiefs fan brings you extra perks such as special rates, team updates and matchday perks. Wherever Chiefs play in South Africa, a KC Mobile SIM identifies you as a fan.
- Halftime S’camto: Orlando Pirates fans are more than just couch analysts. With this exciting campaign, fans could unpack and discuss live games with Pirates players via Vodacom’s Facebook community.
- The Vodacom Challenge was an annual pre-season football tournament held in South Africa between 1999 and 2011. The competition featured Chiefs and Pirates competing against prestigious European clubs, including English Premier League giants Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
- Vodacom has been a sponsor of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the national teams, including Bafana Bafana (men’s team) and Banyana Banyana (women’s team). The SAFA Second Division was known as the Vodacom League between 1998 and 2012.
- Vodacom Soccer offers the best news, match analysis, fixtures and results. The service covers the South African Premier Soccer League and various European leagues.
Egypt: strengthening dreams with superstar Salah
In 2017, Vodafone Egypt partnered with football icon Mo Salah, whose journey from a small-town player in Nagrig to global stardom resonates with millions. Salah epitomises perseverance, an ideal close to Vodacom’s empowerment goals. He became Vodafone Egypt’s ambassador during a thrilling moment: Egypt’s first World Cup qualification for 28 years.
The partnership yielded impactful campaigns like Mo Salah World, giving customers 11 free minutes for every goal he scored – a unique celebration of his success and a deep connection with fans.
It’s the partnership that keeps giving as Vodacom Egypt and Salah go from strength to strength. Salah ended the recent 2024/25 English Premier League season with more record-breaking achievements. He became the first player in the competition’s history to finish a season with the most goals and assists and win the Player of the Season award, with 29 goals and 18 assists.
Beyond football, Salah has collaborated on the Instant Network Schools programme, championing education for refugee and underserved communities. Vodacom integrates social responsibility into this partnership, showcasing how football can be a transformative force.
Tanzania: taking the sport to new levels
Vodacom has worked tirelessly to elevate football in Tanzania, beginning our journey in 2002 with sponsorship of the national Premier League. By securing title rights, Vodacom shaped the league into one of East Africa’s most competitive and closely followed tournaments.
An investment of 9 billion Tanzanian shillings (about $3.4 million) as part of sponsorship between 2019 and 2021 ensured media coverage, fan engagement and better professional standards for the competition. Highlighting talent and uniting communities, Vodacom has helped to create a dynamic sports ecosystem focused on growth and accessibility.
Kenya: finding football’s future stars
Safaricom launched the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom youth programme in 2017, offering a lifeline for underrepresented football talent. Targeting players aged 16 to 20, the project has reinvented grassroots football development. Our investments, including KSh 100 million (about $800 000) annually, go towards scouting, training and equipping aspiring players.
A collaboration with Spain’s premier football league, LaLiga, brought renowned Spanish coaches and scouts to Kenya, training local players in professional techniques. Elite performers are selected for prestigious 10-day training camps in Spain, where they compete in friendly matches and gain exposure to European standards of football.
In Chapa Dimba season 4, which finished in April 2024, over 3 353 teams participated, including more than 60 354 players across eight Kenyan regions. The tournament extended beyond the pitch, with the M-PESA Foundation offering impactful community engagement through financial literacy training, talent development programmes and medical camps that served over 30 000 Kenyans.
Through Chapa Dimba, Safaricom inspires career opportunities, gender inclusivity and innovation, embodying our ideals of equal opportunity and potential. Click here for details about this incredible programme covered in our special feature.
Lesotho: commitment renewed
Vodacom Lesotho’s role in football dates back to 2009 when we began sponsoring the Lesotho Premier League. Renewed in 2021 with a 10 million maloti (about $650 000) investment, this sponsorship boosts league operations, enhances professionalism and offers prize money.
By prioritising accessible viewing with innovative platforms like Vodacom Live, we enable fans to stream games for M10 per match with no additional data costs.
The partnership captured the Spirit of Vodacom: celebrating shared love for football and linking communities through affordable and inclusive experiences.
DRC: spotlight on the Vodacom Super League
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vodacom’s sponsorship of Ligue 1 – renamed the Vodacom Super League – provided a stage for talent to thrive. The league’s flagship club, TP Mazembe, is legendary in African football, boasting five CAF Champions League titles. The vibrant Vodacom Super League also serves as a platform for nurturing local talent, with many Congolese players moving to top-flight clubs in Europe after gaining recognition in their home country.
We also ensure fan convenience through technology, with the M-PESA platform allowing for seamless ticket purchases.
Mozambique: moments delivered directly to fans
Vodacom Mozambique supports fans across the nation with services designed specifically for football enthusiasts.
- Tok d’Bola: Stunning match moments are delivered via this SMS service, keeping subscribers updated on local and European league events.
- Vlive Desporto: Fans access enriched content, from scores to interviews, through an easily navigable mobile portal, keeping football close to heart.
By combining tech accessibility with relevant football updates, Vodacom helps connect fans no matter where they are.
Going Further Together with football
Whether uplifting rural talents in Kenya or transforming leagues in Lesotho, Vodacom shows an unparalleled capacity to merge passion for football with life-changing impact. Each goal scored, partnership formed and fan empowered take us closer to our commitment to connect for a better future.
