Mamelodi Sundowns, PUMA unveil ‘Rise Kit’ with focus on children’s empowerment

Mamelodi Sundowns and global sportswear company PUMA have unveiled the club’s third kit for the 2026/27 season, using the launch to promote children’s rights and empowerment under the message ‘Every Child Deserves to Rise’.

The new kit, named the Rise Kit, draws inspiration from the limitless African sky, with its white and blue colours symbolising hope, peace and opportunity.

The launch also aligns with Sundowns’ season-long campaign, ‘Never Stop Rising’, which reflects the club’s pursuit of excellence while celebrating the journey of its supporters, known as the Yellow Nation, across Africa.

Beyond its identity on the pitch, the kit carries a social message, with the club using its National Children’s Day activities to highlight the importance of protecting children, upholding their dignity and creating opportunities for their development.

Kekana leads call to empower children

Mamelodi Sundowns club ambassador and former captain Hlompho Kekana said the initiative aims to encourage young people to believe in their potential and overcome challenges.

“Through this Rise Kit, we aim to inspire children and the youth to dream beyond the skies, believe in their limitless potential, and rise above their circumstances to turn their dreams into reality. Because every child deserves the opportunity to dream, to achieve, and to rise,” Kekana said.

He also stressed the responsibility of leaders to provide an environment in which children can grow and thrive.

“Those of us leadership positions, this kit is reminder to continue creating a conducive environment that natures and protects the well-being of kids.”

Kekana added that the kit would strengthen the connection between the club, its technical partner and supporters while giving the third strip a purpose beyond football.

“We believe The Rise Kit creates a strong emotional connection between the Club, PUMA and our supporters, while giving the Third Kit a meaningful identity that extends beyond the football pitch,” he said.

Performance technology meets supporter appeal

The Rise Kit will be available in two official versions: the Authentic shirt, designed for players on the pitch, and the Replica, which caters to supporters.

The Authentic version features PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric, a lightweight performance material designed to support unrestricted movement and minimise distractions during competition. It also incorporates dryCELL and ThermoAdapt technologies, which are intended to wick away sweat and regulate heat to help players remain dry and comfortable.

The Replica shirt, meanwhile, is made from recycled polyester, offering supporters an alternative to the version worn by the players.

The two options allow fans to choose between the performance-focused Authentic shirt and the Replica, while sharing in the identity behind the club’s latest design.

Rise Kit set for October debut

The new third strip is scheduled to make its on-pitch debut when Mamelodi Sundowns face Durban City in a Premier Soccer League fixture on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Supporters will be able to purchase the kit from Friday, October 30, through PUMA retail stores, PUMA.com, Totalsports, Takealot and Studio 88.

The Authentic players’ shirt will retail at R2,399, while the men’s and women’s Replica versions will cost R1,299. The children’s Replica shirt will be available for R1,199.

With its combination of performance features, African-inspired design and children’s empowerment message, the Rise Kit gives Sundowns and PUMA an opportunity to connect their latest football release with a broader social purpose.