adidas and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have officially revealed the new 2026/2027 South Africa home jersey for both the South Africa national football team (Bafana Bafana) and the South Africa women’s national football team (Banyana Banyana), introducing a bold evolution of one of the country’s most iconic football designs.
The new kit celebrates South Africa’s football heritage while embracing the future of the game. Inspired by the unforgettable jersey worn during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the design honours a historic era that united the nation and showcased South African football on the global stage.
A Modern Take on an Iconic Look
The 2026/2027 home jersey maintains the unmistakable yellow base with green trim — colours synonymous with national pride and football culture in South Africa. The refreshed design introduces elevated detailing, refined tailoring, and a modern silhouette engineered for elite performance on the global stage.
Beyond aesthetics, the jersey reflects the evolving identity of South African football — confident, competitive and increasingly influential in international tournaments.
Celebrating South Africa’s 12 Official Languages
One of the most meaningful elements of the new design is its tribute to South Africa’s 12 official languages. Subtle graphic patterns woven into the fabric symbolise the diverse voices that unite fans across stadiums and communities worldwide.
“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 reimagined for a proud new era, with a pattern that reflects the now 12 national languages on the national jersey.”
Tom Brown, Senior Marketing Director for adidas South Africa, explained the inspiration behind the design:
Equal Representation for Men’s and Women’s Teams
The jersey has been created with bespoke gender-fit considerations, ensuring optimal comfort and performance for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. The approach reflects the shared commitment between adidas and SAFA to elevate both the men’s and women’s games equally.
“The jersey is more than match-day apparel — it is a unifying symbol worn by players and fans alike. Designed for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, the kit reflects our commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation.”
Lydia Monyepao, CEO of SAFA, highlighted the significance of the launch:
She added that fans will see the new jersey debut in major upcoming tournaments, with Banyana Banyana set to launch the kit during the opening day of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, while Bafana Bafana will wear it when facing Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Built for Elite Performance
Engineered for top-level competition, the new jersey features adidas’ advanced CLIMACOOL+ technology. The system incorporates engineered stretch fabrics and 3D body mapping to improve ventilation, enhance breathability and help keep players dry during high-intensity matches in hot conditions.
Additional performance features include perforated three-stripe panels and strategically placed mesh zones that improve airflow and comfort during play.
The authentic version of the jersey also includes a new lenticular heat-applied federation crest and adidas logo, creating a dynamic shapeshifting visual effect that adds a bold modern touch to the design.
Availability
The 2026/2027 South Africa home jersey will be available from 20 March 2026 at adidas stores, online at adidas.co.za and through selected retail partners.
Meanwhile, the South African away jersey will be officially revealed on 19 March 2026, alongside other global adidas federation kit launches.
From grassroots football fields to the world’s biggest tournaments, the new jersey represents a powerful new chapter for South African football — rooted in history, driven by progress and worn with pride.
