The goal of the new office is to extend the global positioning of LaLiga´s brand to Africa, approaching African fans who enthusiastically follow Spanish football. The official opening was attended by representatives of Spanish companies and South African institutions, members of the South African Premier Soccer League and other personalities such as the Spanish Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Juan Sell. South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula congratulated LaLiga on the opening of this office in 'his' territory.
"It's a historic day for LaLiga. We are very happy to open this office in Johannesburg and to be closer to our loyal fans and broadcasters. To LaLiga, being here is a strategic move and we want to be even more present in the future," said Tebas. He said projects like the LFP World Challenge will be present in Africa in next editions.
For Antonio Barradas, country manager of LaLiga in South Africa, the opening of the office is a great opportunity for mutual growth. "It will be hugely beneficial for LaLiga and for the country. South Africans really love football and, increasingly, Spanish football. We will be with them, listening and offering all our effort."
LaLiga has said their main objective is to transfer skills and raise future leaders, using football as a developmental sport to achieve these goals. The South African spirit of ubuntu will be entrenched in their social upliftment strategy of creating a healthy environment and healthy minds through sports.
The exposure to international football will be a game changer in expanding the horizons of young people who are passionate about football, and in cementing a long-term vision of LaLiga's influence in the African landscape.
In the course of the day in Johannesburg, LaLiga´s delegation held a meeting with representatives of the international broadcaster Supersport, which holds LaLiga´s broadcasting rights in South Africa and much of the African continent. The Spanish body also visited the premises of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and met the South African Premier Soccer League. To conclude the visit, Barradas and Tebas held a meeting with local and international media in their first office on African soil.
