Business Report

Safa releases iconic 1996 Heritage Kit for Bafana supporters

Michael Sherman|Published
Member of the 1996 Afcon-winning Bafana Bafana, Doctor Khumalo tries out the new legacy kits released by Safa in conjunction with premium leisurewear brand, Old School. Picture: Safa/Old School

Member of the 1996 Afcon-winning Bafana Bafana, Doctor Khumalo tries out the new legacy kits released by Safa in conjunction with premium leisurewear brand, Old School. Picture: Safa/Old School

Image: Safa/Old School

With less than a week to go before Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico, the SA Football Association (Safa) in conjunction with premium leisurewear brand Old School, has released a 1996 Heritage Kit for supporters.

With the 1996 Afcon-winning team still held in high esteem, the kit used in that tournament is iconic.

The Safa design has been reinterpreted as an official premium knitted jersey for 2026.

The jersey is an official SAFA-licensed product, produced by Old School. It comes in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and costs R1999.

Members of the 1996 Afcon-winning Bafana Bafana side test out the new 1996 Heritage Kit. Seen here: (l-r), Doctor Khumalo, Mark Williams, Neil Tovey. Picture:  Safa/Old School

Members of the 1996 Afcon-winning Bafana Bafana side test out the new 1996 Heritage Kit. Seen here: (l-r), Doctor Khumalo, Mark Williams, Neil Tovey. Picture: Safa/Old School

Image: Safa/Old School

Bafana Bafana’s 1996 Heritage Kit Launch: Celebrating History

The jersey goes on sale on Friday through official Bafana and Safa channels and at Old School retail stores and online platform.

Safa chief executive Lydia Monyepao explained the timing of the release.

“As Bafana head to the World Cup, we wanted to give supporters something that connects this moment to where it all started. The 1996 Heritage Kit represents a chapter of South African football that means everything to this country,” said Monyepao.

“Bringing it back felt like the right way to honour that history and celebrate what lies ahead. We also warn those producing unlicensed merchandise to seize as we will be cracking down on knock-offs filling the streets and social media without appropriately compensating SAFA for the use of IP through official licence.”

Affordable Replica Jersey from Mr Price: Iconic White, Black, and Gold Design at R299

For supporters unable to fork out the money for the official heritage kit, there is a much cheaper replica alternative available from Mr Price.

This jersey features the same iconic colour theme of white, black, and gold with horizontal patterns.

What was even better was the price. At R299, this is just a fraction of the price of the 2026 official supporters jersey which starts at R1,599.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport