Western Cape Government facilitates new partnership between SAFA Cape Town, MTN and Golden Arrow Bus Service for school sports

SAFA Cape Town, in partnership with MTN South Africa and Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) and facilitated by the Western Cape Government, are proud to announce the launch of an exciting new transport initiative aimed at making soccer more accessible to communities in the Cape Metro and surrounds. 

This innovative partnership seeks to bridge the gap between sports and mobility by offering access to existing scheduled bus services via a pre-loaded smart card, increasing access to safe and reliable transport. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster community inclusion, promote local talent, and drive the passion for soccer in the Western Cape. 

“The Western Cape Government is proud to have facilitated this partnership, which reflects our commitment to inclusivity and innovation in both transport and sport,” said Ricardo Mackenzie, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape. “By bringing together the public and private sectors, we are creating opportunities for people to connect with the ‘beautiful game’.” 

GABS will provide Golden Arrow Gold Cards which can be used on match days for players to make use of existing scheduled services, while MTN will support the initiative by paying for the smart cards, as well as running promotional campaigns around education and digital engagement, ensuring that information is widely accessible to commuters and players alike.

“This partnership allows us to contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve,” said Bennett Bailey, President of SAFA Cape Town. “Football is a powerful unifier, and we are proud to play a role in bringing it closer to the people.”

MTN South Africa echoed the sentiment. Noluthando Pama, General Manager, MTN Western Cape, said, “At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, and that includes being connected to their passions. By helping over 12,000 young people get to soccer training each month, we are doing more than providing bus fare, we’re investing in dreams, in talent, and in the future of this nation. This partnership is about enabling potential, uplifting communities, and demonstrating that nation building starts with showing up for the youth of South Africa.” 

“Golden Arrow Bus Services recognises the vital role that football plays as a social unifier and development avenue for South African youth, we are therefore proud to assist with this exciting initiative,” says Golden Arrow General Manager Derick Meyer. 

The initiative will kick off on 10 May 2025, with more details on routes and schedules to be released in the coming weeks.

Media Enquiries/Media navrae:
Naudé van der Merwe
Spokesperson to Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
083 507 8703