SA Government Looks to Sponsor Tottenham Hotspur in Deal Similar to Rwanda and Arsenal

• South Africa's government is looking to be part of the Tottenham Hotspur family
• The country's marketing agency has reportedly proposed a big sponsorship deal
• The deal would be reminiscent of the one Rwanda's government has with Arsenal

Should the South African government get its way, its name will appear on Tottenham Hotspur's kit.

An exclusive report by the Daily Maverick has revealed that the administration's market agency, SA Tourism is seeking to become one of the North London outfit's title sponsors.

The deal is said to be in the region of about R1-billion (£42.5-million) over three years.

It is similar to the talked-about deal between the 'Visit Rwanda' campaign by that country's government and Spurs' arch-rivals, Arsenal, as reported by the Mirror.

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South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce the deal - should it happen - during the State of the Nation address on February 10.

It would be the latest agreement between world states and gigantic football clubs in Europe. The entire details of the proposal can be read here.

The club is no stranger to the country. Spurs first visited South Africa for pre-season training in 2003 to take on Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, before returning in 2007 and 2011 for the popular Vodacom Challenge series.

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South Africa has always been an attractive destination for the top clubs north of Africa. Hidden in the bowels of YouTube are gems that hark back to special moments in the country's colourful footballing past.

One such nugget is highlights from a friendly match between Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Italian super club, AC Milan in 1993.

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What made the match more significant was that future president and then-leader of the ANC, Nelson Mandela was a guest of honour.

The Buccaneers and the Rossoneri clashed at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 12, 1993. It was one of several fixtures involving European giants taking on local clubs, in the years leading up to South Africa's first democratic elections in April 1994.