A new South African sports brand will hit the country's market this week.

A new South African sports brand will hit the country's market this week.

The new local brand, Mzantsi, was launched at the Eskom Conference Centre in Midrand on Saturday.

The brand is owned by the Luvhomba Group, a company involved in projects and retail.

Mzantsi is expected to give global brands such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok a run for their money because of affordability and wide product range.

The range includes soccer kits, replica jerseys, T-shirts, skirts, jeans, jackets, beanies and kids wear.

Mzantsi will be available at first in Gauteng, with the first outlet opening at Maponya Mall on Saturday.

Other shops will open in Centurion Mall, Fourways Mall, Menlyn Shopping Centre and Carlton Centre later.

Matthews Mulaudzi, chairperson of the Luvhomba Group, said they were ready for the challenge ahead.

"With Mzantsi we are prepared to take the world by the horns. Mzantsi brand goes under the pay-off line: Doing it for the passion.

"We are hoping to open in other provinces such as Eastern Cape and Limpopo in about three months time," he said.

"We are currently talking with Nedbank and the Industrial Development Cooperation so that we might help entrepreneurs who wish to own Mzantsi franchises," he said.

Former Kaizer Chiefs players Pollen Ndlanya, Malombo Lichaba and television sports presenter Carol Manana have been chosen as brand ambassadors.

"We will encourage our members to wear it as it is local," said Cappy Matutoane of the South African Football Players Union.

"I urge Mzantsi not just to focus on big clubs but also to give clubs in lower divisions a chance to wear the brand," she said.