PRETORIA: Danny Jordaan, elected as new president of the South African Football Association, has been presented with the challenge of finding a new sponsor within weeks of taking charge.

South African banking institute ABSA, part of the Barclays Africa Group, has decided not to renew its long-running contract which expires at the end of the year.

The bank said the decision had followed a review of its “business and brand objectives” but these are sure to have included a string of controversies from a blind eye on matchfixing to controversy over the use of World Cup legacy funds.

Jordaan’s accession in place of Kirsten Nematandani – who did not even try to contest the presidential election – came too late to change the minds of the bank;s direvtors and marketing advisers. A decision in principle is understood to have been taken several months ago.

Bobby Malabie, Barclays Africa Group Executive, said: “Since our involvement with Bafana Bafana started in 2007, we have seen the game extend across racial and cultural barriers and we have engaged the passion of thousands of soccer fans across the country.

“Being an integral part of the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup journey was a proud occasion for us and for all South Africans.

“This has been a fruitful partnership for us and we look forward to remaining involved in the development and welfare of soccer in South Africa. We thank SAFA for the opportunity and wish them and the Bafana Bafana team well in all future activities.”

#################