Kaizer Chiefs to end Nike partnership after 23 years, announce Kappa as new kit sponsor

Kaizer Chiefs have committed to a new technical partnership deal with Italian sportswear giants Kappa, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The five-year deal with Kappa starts in June 2023, ending Amakhosi's 23-year relationship with Nike as the contract is set to expire next year.

The famous American apparel emblem has been on the Chiefs jersey since June 2000, but a new era beckons for the Sowetan giants.

"We are excited to team up with Kappa once again, a brand with which Kaizer Chiefs set new records and established itself as trendsetters in African football in the early 1990s," said Amakhosi Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung in a statement released.

"Kappa, like Kaizer Chiefs, is a unique brand of style and class and one of the key players in the global football kit space. Kappa have had great partnerships with some of the world's leading football clubs, as well as a number of local teams over the years.

"This deal is not only an acknowledgment of our past but also an exciting leap into the future for the club."

The Glamour Boys previously donned the Kappa insignia for seven years between 1989 and 1996.

It was a trophy-laden period for the club and hope to forge and replicate that success when Kappa replaces Nike next year.

Michael Joseph, CEO of Kappa South Africa said: "The signing of this partnership with Kaizer Chiefs has been a target of our company since we reignited the Kappa Brand in South Africa in 2010.

"This partnership is in perfect alignment with our ambition and continuous goals to continue to make Kappa the largest sports brand in Africa.

"We are thrilled to be once again partnering with a Club like Kaizer Chiefs whose passion and drive in all aspects, matches that of our brand.

"Not only are they an ambitious Club, with a strong identity and uniqueness of elegance and excellence, but their fans are their priority.

"Kappa together with Kaizer Chiefs, are going to reinstall the romance of the 90’s and deliver something extraordinary to these fans.

"Our common glorious past, must be a strength for the future of our partnership and we are really excited to unveil our products to the club's players and supporters in the coming seasons.

"Our commitment to the club is to deliver not only to itself but to its fans the most beautiful attire and product seen to date."