Le Coq Sportif’s five-year partnership with SAFA was bold, experimental, and unforgettable. While some early kits divided opinion, the French brand left behind a collection of designs that connected deeply with South Africans and stood out on the global stage.
From the first fan-designed kits in the country’s football history to the iconic “Ivory” shirt worn during Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2024 bronze-medal run, the era gave fans shirts worth remembering. As adidas prepares to return as technical sponsor in 2026, here are the standout kits that defined Le Coq’s legacy.
Best Bafana Bafana Kits from Le Coq Sportif
From fan-designed masterpieces to AFCON icons, here are the best Bafana Bafana kits Le Coq Sportif produced before adidas returns in 2026.
1. Third Kit (“Ivory”) 2023/24
- Silver base with subtle yellow accents.
- Inspired by South Africa’s diverse heritage.
- High-performance moisture-wicking fabric.
This shirt became an instant classic after Bafana wore it during their impressive AFCON 2024 run in Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished third. Fans hailed it as stylish, modern, and symbolic of a new era.
2. Home Kit (Fan-Designed) 2023/24
- Vibrant yellow with green collar details.
- Intricate street-art-inspired patterns.
- Designed by Lwazi Cedrick Ngcungama via the “Designed By You” competition.
This kit broke new ground. It was the first time SAFA opened design duties to the public, and the result was both authentic and eye-catching. Sales spiked, and the kit generated huge social media buzz.
3. Away Kit (Fan-Designed) 2023/24
- Deep green base with bold yellow geometric motifs.
- High elasticity for player mobility.
- Created as part of the same competition as the home kit.
Paired with the fan-designed home strip, this away kit was praised for its creativity and cohesiveness. Fans loved how it felt premium while staying rooted in local culture.
4. Home Kit 2020/21
- Classic yellow with black trim.
- Simple rooster emblem on the chest.
- Durable, locally made fabric.
This was Le Coq’s debut design for Bafana, launched during AFCON qualifiers against Namibia. While not flashy, it signalled a reset and the beginning of a partnership that eventually won over the fans.
5. Retro Home Kit (Anniversary Edition) 2023
- A nod to the 1996 AFCON-winning Kappa kit.
- Yellow base with diagonal white-and-black detailing.
- Slim-fit update with modern moisture-wicking tech.
This limited-edition release tapped into nostalgia, reviving memories of Bafana’s greatest triumph while blending modern performance features.
Why Fans Remember the Era
Le Coq Sportif’s strengths lay in:
- Fan involvement: From competitions to public votes, the brand gave supporters a real voice.
- Cultural nods: Designs incorporated South African street art, heritage motifs, and references to past glories.
- Affordability: Replica shirts were priced around R999, making them more accessible than many global brands.
Criticism wasn’t absent. The 2020/21 kits faced complaints about quality and shortages, and some fans felt the designs lacked boldness in the early years. But by 2023, the tide had turned, with Bafana’s kits becoming some of the most talked-about in African football.
What’s Next: Adidas Returns in 2026
The Le Coq Sportif chapter now closes as adidas signs a three-year deal to kit all SAFA teams. For many, this marks a reunion with the brand that produced Bafana’s 2010 World Cup kits and a chance for the team to step into the 2026 World Cup in global style.
For collectors, however, the Le Coq kits remain special. The “Ivory” third shirt and fan-designed 2023/24 kits are already considered modern classics, and could soon become rare collectibles.
Check also: SAFA Announces Adidas as Official Technical Sponsor
Le Coq Sportif may not have had the global clout of previous sponsors, but the brand gave Bafana Bafana kits that were proudly South African, fan-driven, and memorable. As adidas returns, supporters will hope the balance of global quality and local identity continues.
Which Le Coq Sportif Bafana kit was your favourite, and will you be picking up one of the new adidas jerseys in 2026?
