Cabrera's Weird Sponsor Wins Again

When Angel Cabrera won the U.S. Open in 2007, they were there. And when the golfer they call "The Pato" ("The Duck") won the Masters on Sunday night, they were there again.

Who are they?

South African Airways, the carrier that is reportedly paying Cabrera $1 million a year through 2010 to wear its logo on his left breast pocket and on the top of his back.

The deal is strange because Cabrera is of course from South America (Argentina), not South Africa. But it's not like South African Airways doesn't need the promotion here in this country.

The state-owned carrier, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is beginning non-stop flights from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 1. The airline is also gearing up for big business associated with the World Cup, which takes place next summer in South Africa.

It hasn't been easy flying for South African Airways over the last couple weeks. The company's CEO Khaya Ngqula was fired last month after a catering contract was about to be awarded to a business associate of his wife. In recent weeks, his termination pay has been questioned.

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