Johannesburg, South Africa – The world’s oldest manufacturer of soccer balls are joining forces with South Africa’s biggest women’s sport for the next three years.

Mitre – who have been making soccer balls since 1817, and who are world leaders in the manufacture of balls, boots and accessories for soccer, netball, and rugby, as well as the technical sponsors of the England netball team – announced on Friday that they would sponsor NSA until December 2012.

The value of the sponsorship comes to R1million, with the major contribution in equipment.  “Mitre are proud to sponsor Netball South Africa and to supply the national team with our world class sports equipment,” said Mitre International Managing Director Gary Hibbert. “There should be some exciting netball at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October, and we wish NSA all the best in their preparation for the Games.”

Brett Burnill, MD of Leisure Holdings, the distributors of Mitre in South Africa, said he hoped the sponsorship could be continued beyond the initial three years. “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be associated with NSA,” he said.  “We have high regard for all the good work they do, and hope to take this association beyond the three years of the initial agreement.”“NSA strive to form partnerships with quality brands as far as sporting equipment is concerned,” said NSA President Mimi Mthethwa.  “With this in mind, Mitre was the easy choice to make.”

The announcement was made at NSA’s “merit” tournament in Pretoria on Friday morning.  The tournament, which began on Thursday and ends on Monday, is aimed at providing netball players with a competitive platform without the restrictions of the five/two quota system.  Twenty-nine teams are taking part in the tournament at the Tuks Sports grounds in Hatfield.

It is also an opportunity for the national selectors to identify players with international potential as well as to monitor the progress made by members of the national training squad, who have all been given a fitness programme to follow.

At the end of the tournament, the selectors will announce a Spar national team to take on Malawi in a three-Test series next month.

The appointment of the United legend as Manager gave the Brand huge coverage across the entire Press here in the UK. Examples of this are attached and he is pictured in the Mitre training wear range supplied to the Club.  His appointment sends a clear signal that the clubs owner, Marcus Evans, wants the team to gain promotion next year to the Premier League.

High density padding
Breathable
IRB Approved

High density padding
Breathable
IRB Approved

Shoulder & sternum protection.
Breathable Hydrophilic interlock.
High density closed cell padding.

Colours: Black/Red
Sizes: S/M/L/XL/XXL
Shoulder & sternum protection.
Breathable Hydrophilic interlock.
High density closed cell padding.

The M2 Sport is a great value synthetic boot with a leather external heel for extra stability and a stithced upper for reduced stretching.

The Strike Pro features a low cut synthetic PU upper and fold over tongue with asymmetrical lacing. The flamboyant design with a patent finish is for players that want to stand out from the crowd.

The Contender is a top quality boot, perfect for both professional or amateur players with classic black Mitre styling and a full grain leather upper. Other features inlcude a fold over tongue and cross stitched upper that reduces stretching and increases lateral support.

Exclusive rounded end training ball – designed to assist lineout throwing, drop kicking and distance passing.
A “must” for every team.