Golden Lions Rugby Union's CEO, Manie Booysen, expressed his gratitude to the Kit Group for its support and belief in the MTN Golden Lions brand going forward.
"Our negotiations with Kit Group were positive from the outset and we are so grateful for their support," said Booysen.
"The players and coaches are also very excited about this new agreement and are looking forward to the association with Kit Group. We look forward to forming a strong relationship with them over the years to come."
Kit Group spokesman Charl Cilliers reinforced this belief and stated: "Kit Group has for some time now been exploring various options to expose and grow our brand. We have been looking for opportunities where brand association or co-branding can form part of our campaign, and sport, with rugby in particular, have been obvious complementary associations for us."
"We were very pleased when the opportunity to partner with the MTN Golden Lions became a possibility. The fact that the MTN Golden Lions were, at the time, a relegated side was for us an added value as we wanted to be part of their rejuvenation.
"We wanted to be a part of one of South Africa's oldest and most respected rugby unions reclaiming their rightful place within the rugby world, and were more than happy to walk the path with them until this could be achieved, whether it was this year or next.
"As a brand we don't only want to be associated with winners, we want to be associated with becoming winners. We want to be associated with determination, dedication and a winning attitude."
Cilliers added: "Kit Group has for years pioneered our industry and know what it takes to be the best and to stay there. We know what it means, and how it feels to not be on top, and we know what it takes to get there.
"We are very proud to be in partnership with the MTN Golden Lions and look forward to a highly successful Currie Cup season, and to their re-entry into the Super Rugby arena next year, which we believe will be just as successful."
