Football royalty meets tech power

It wasn’t a matchday, but the energy at HONOR’s latest launch event in Johannesburg felt like a cup final. The brand’s new X7d 5G smartphone took centre stage  but it was South Africa’s football stars who stole the show.

Bafana Bafana’s Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, and Vincent Pule were among the headline names who turned out to support HONOR’s partnership with the SuperSport MVP Talent Search, a platform aimed at unearthing the next generation of football talent. They were joined by rising Amajita prospects Thabang Mahlangu, Neo Rapoo, Siviwe Magidigidi, and Lazola Maku, who all received the new device as part of HONOR’s commitment to empowering young athletes.

“This is more than just a phone launch, it’s a statement,” said one of the players. “HONOR is showing up for football, for the youth, and for the future.”

The event also saw SuperSport Head of Production Simo Nalane receive a special edition of the X7d 5G, symbolising the growing synergy between sport and tech in South Africa.

Built Like a Defender, Moves Like a Winger

The HONOR X7d 5G is no ordinary device. With SGS-certified drop protection and IP65 water resistance, it’s built to take knocks, just like a seasoned centre-back. But it’s also fast and fluid, thanks to the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset and MagicOS 9.0, making it perfect for streaming games, posting highlights, or staying connected on the go.

Battery That Goes the Full 90 — and Extra Time

With a 6500mAh dual-cell battery and 35W SuperCharge, the X7d 5G is made for long days at training, away trips, or back-to-back fixtures. It’s a device that keeps up with the pace of the modern footballer and the fans who follow them.

A Win for the Culture

HONOR’s move to align with football, especially through the MVP Talent Search, is a nod to the culture. It’s about more than brand visibility; it’s about being part of the journey, from dusty township pitches to packed stadiums.

As the sun set over Jozi, the message was clear: HONOR isn’t just launching a phone, it’s backing the beautiful game.