With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 underway, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the Qatar Football Association (QFA) recently partnered with South African in Qatar (SAIQ) to launch a supporter’s group for the Rainbow Nation’s national football teams.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SAIQ to establish Qatar’s first Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana Supporters’ Club.

The initiative falls under the vision of SC’s Community Engagement Programme, encouraging communities within Qatar to be a part of their home country’s journey during Qatar 2022.

“Supporters’ groups like this one provide an opportunity for fans around the world to connect with people in Qatar,” said the SC’s Communications Executive Director, Fatma Al Nuaimi. “It’s vital we mobilize our many local communities to contribute to the atmosphere and spirit of celebration that will ensure lasting memories for everyone who visits Qatar in 2022.” 

Run by community representatives and football enthusiasts – Samantha Abrahams, Brad Habana, Xolani Holomisa, and Bernard Lodge – the new South African supporters’ group is inclusive and welcoming, and open to all South African expatriates living and working in Qatar and the Middle East.

“The establishment of the first Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana Supporters Club in the Middle East by the South African community in Qatar is a very positive development, which we welcome,” said SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan. “We are doing all we can to ensure Bafana takes its place among the world’s football elite in Qatar in 2022. As the first African hosts of the FIFA World Cup, we are fully behind Qatar’s efforts to host the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup. We have no doubt it will be an excellent, world-class event played in incredible, modern stadiums in a beautiful football-loving country.”

QFA General Secretary, Mansoor Al Ansari, stated, “Official recognition for the Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana Supporters’ Club Qatar from the South African Football Association is symbolic of the strong football fan culture among residents in Qatar. There are many supporters’ groups in Qatar, and they will all help to enhance the fan and cultural experience during the FIFA World Cup in 2022.”

The SC’s Community Engagement Programme establishes a channel for people in Qatar to learn about the opportunities and benefits that come from the country’s hosting of the World Cup. It connects local individuals to the social, economic, and physical regeneration taking place as a result of Qatar 2022, enabling the community to contribute to the delivery and success of the tournament.

The objectives of the Community Engagement Programme are met through a wide range of initiatives, including the Youth Panel, Accessibility Forum, Community Partnerships, Volunteer Programme, Tamreen, Cultural Experience Programme, a lecture series, and various football tournaments.

For more information on SC’s Community Engagement Programme, please visit Qatar2022.qa

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