Global sports company PUMA has today launched the national team kits of five of Africa’s most prolific footballing nations. The men’s and women’s Home and Away kits for Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Senegal and Ghana have each been constructed with identity and culture at the forefront, with intricate designs representing different takes on the country’s art, history and pride – reimagined for the Beautiful Game.
Egypt has been crowned champions of Africa on seven occasions, so it’s only fitting their new kits acknowledge the Kings and Queens the country is synonymous with. Pharaoh, sphinx, sand dune and pyramid themed designs adorn both kits, with the bold red Home jersey featuring a repeat stylised illustration of Pharaohs, pyramids and sand dunes in an all over print, whilst the white Away jersey features an attention-grabbing Pharaoh design as the centrepiece amongst a pattern of pyramids.
The new Côte d'Ivoire kits are inspired by the annual festival ‘La Fête des Masques’ the festival at the heart of Ivorian folklore. The iconic orange Home jersey has been intricately detailed with a fringe effect that is applied to traditional costumes and reminiscent of festival goers, whilst the Away jersey design symbolizes the dances performed at the festival and features a white base with green detailing to allow the elephant to take center stage. Both kits capture the vibrancy and ceremonial essence of Ivorian culture.
Morocco is set for big expectations both on and off the pitch in 2025 as hosts of the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations and having the talent to go far in both tournaments, so ensuring they will be represented with kits that fans feel a connection to is imperative. Having made history as the first African team to reach the semi-final of a World Cup, the kits are a nod to their national history.
Abderrahmane Trabsini, born and raised in Amsterdam, was inspired by the beauty of Moroccan and Berber craftsmanship in creating the Moroccan kits. Encapsulating the essence of Moroccan artistry, the Home kit features patterns inspired by traditional Moroccan zellige tiles, with intricate geometric designs symbolizing unity, eternity, and artisanship. Trabsini also incorporated Berber symbols often seen in Moroccan rugs into the Away kit, with motifs representing protection, fertility, and harmony. These elements connect deeply with Moroccan heritage, adding cultural depth to the design. The vibrant red and green palette reflects the national flag, while the inclusion of the indigenous language honors Morocco’s rich history.
The new Senegal Home jersey encompasses the theme of ‘Teranga’ – the spirit of hospitality. The kit’s design draws inspiration from the nation’s workers, reflecting a fearless and progressive identity expressed through modern art and culture. This results in a clean strip with accents in the colors of the national flag. The Away kit however takes a bolder approach, with a green and lime palette that incorporates a lion print across the chest, inspired by the country’s art and design.
Four-time Africa Cup of Nation winners Ghana are iconic in every sense, both in name and nature. Traditional Adinkra symbols form a unique all-over pattern on the Home kit, with a central black star completing the statement, meanwhile the Away kit shines brightly in yellow, similarly incorporating the star and symbols as a nod to Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Ghanaian native, Jefferson Osei set out to unite Ghanaian tribes through his kit design. Working with renowned Ghanaian painter Daniel Alum Jasper, who painted the graphic element of selected Adinkra symbols by Jefferson resonating with all the different tribes within Ghana, he created a custom print for the new Home kit. Upon initial glance, the white jersey appears to feature a simple star print; but as players begin to perspire, the symbols become more pronounced. The yellow Away kit pays homage to Ghana’s ‘Gold Coast’ and represents the colors often found in Ghanaian culture and has the adinkra symbols on the sleeves of the jersey.
Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Head of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel at PUMA said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil these kits, ones that will be worn by some of the best nations, players and fans on the continent. Africa is part of the PUMA DNA and we are proud to work together with our fantastic nations. This comes at an exciting time for African football, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations for both men’s and women’s teams in 2025, and we’re excited to see what those next iconic moments in our kits will look like.”
Designed for the fans, the Replica jersey pairs that same match-worn look with dry-CELL sweat-wicking technology designed to keep those in the stands dry and comfortable, even on the tensest of matchdays. Ideal for both game day and everyday wear, the Replica jersey is made from PUMA’s innovative RE:FIBRE recycling technology and contains at least 95% recycled textile waste, the jersey is as much a fashion statement as it is a symbol of next-level performance.
The Authentic jersey is made with PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric, which reduces weight and friction, and features an athletic fit for elite-level performance.
PUMA’s African national team Home and Away kits are available to purchase globally from the 15th November, 2024.
