Since launching in South Africa in 2017, SportPesa has steadily invested in people, clubs and communities that power South African sport. From grassroots football initiatives to long-term rugby development programmes, SportPesa’s support is designed to build a pipeline of talent and help create more sustainable funding models.
Here are some of the key ways SportPesa is helping to grow grassroots sport across South Africa:
1. Supporting grassroots football through Cape Town City FC
SportPesa’s first South African partnership was with Cape Town City FC, becoming a founding sponsor of the club in 2017. From the outset, the partnership was designed to support not only the senior team competing at the highest level of South African football, but also the club’s youth and development structures.
Built on shared values around community access and participation, the partnership has helped strengthen the pathway between grassroots football and the professional game.
2. Backing community rugby clubs across South Africa
Rugby is deeply rooted in South African communities, and SportPesa has made grassroots development a central pillar of its rugby strategy.
In 2026, SportPesa announced a partnership with Springbok and World Cup winner Cobus Reinach, who is leading the SportPesa Effect Rugby Programme. This long-term initiative focuses on strengthening community rugby clubs through practical, hands-on support.
The programme includes coaching clinics, training workshops, mentorship for players, and structured support for coaches and club administrators. By investing in the people who develop players at community level, SportPesa is helping clubs build stronger and more sustainable foundations.
The programme is designed to reinforce the work clubs are already doing, recognising that investment at grassroots level benefits not only individual players but also the wider communities around them.
3. Building partnerships with elite teams
Through its partnership with the DHL Stormers, SportPesa is bringing rugby fans closer to the action. The partnership marks an important milestone in SportPesa’s efforts to boost fan involvement and promote rugby development in South Africa.
This partnership creates distinctive fan experiences that bring supporters closer to the game. It also celebrates the strength of rugby culture both on and off the field, reinforcing SportPesa’s commitment to making every sporting moment count.
4. Strengthening university sport and emerging talent
University sport plays a vital role in South Africa’s athlete development. Through its national sponsorship of the Varsity Cup, SportPesa has contributed to strengthening the bridge between grassroots rugby, education and elite competition.
The Varsity Cup provides student-athletes with high-quality competitive environments while supporting academic achievement.
SportPesa’s involvement helps enhance development pathways for both men’s and women’s teams, supporting the growth of emerging talent and reinforcing the importance of structured progression in sport.
This focus reflects a wider commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes, regardless of where they start their sporting journey.
A long-term commitment to communities and opportunity
Across all sports, SportPesa’s work in South Africa reflects a consistent, long-term commitment to grassroots development. From sponsoring local teams to investing in community and national competitions, the focus remains on access, participation and sustainable growth.
By supporting clubs, coaches and athletes at every level, SportPesa continues to play a role in strengthening South African sport from the ground up—creating opportunity, fostering community pride and helping talent thrive.
This is the SportPesa Effect in action—an approach that prioritises long-term development, opportunity and impact through sport.
