Banyana Banyana have extended their sponsorship deal with Sasol until 2017, the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced on Tuesday. The deal also meant the Sasol League would continue as the country's premier women's football league. "The Sasol sponsorship has played an integral role in what we have been trying to achieve with women's football," said SAFA president, Kirsten Nematandani. "It has allowed our ladies to participate in international competitions and that has helped develop the national team." Nematandani said the sponsorship would pave the way for development. "We are excited by the renewal of the sponsorship as this allows us to extend the development opportunities to more female footballers and to continue our work in women's football." The Sasol League has 144 teams nationwide and with each province having 16 teams. The league has afforded many players the opportunity to further their studies at top tertiary institutions while still playing football.