by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and sponsor Betway continue to keep the local football fraternity in suspense as they continue to work on the design of the new trophy. Betway were announced as the new sponsors of the League, taking over DSTV, however the new trophy design is yet to be introduced.
Work is said to be taking shape as both the League and Betway work hard to ensure the final design is shared soon. Betway and the PSL on Saturday shared exciting developments in the Betway Premiership trophy design, they have collaborated with the world renowned artist, Nelson Makamo.
A statement released on Saturday confirmed that Makamo, whose bespoke artistry continues to be revered on the global stage, has partnered with Betway as the creative and cultural spearhead in a first-of-its-kind design journey.
The Betway Premiership Trophy will be unveiled towards the end of the current 2024/24 season.
Over the next few months, Makamo’s creative journey will take him across the country, as he finds inspiration from the past and present of the Betway Premiership, before unveiling the trophy in May.
In his bid to create a jaw-dropping design, Makamo has also met with PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza at the League’s headquarters in Parktown, as part of his research.
The meeting with Dr Khoza was for the PSL Chairman to walk Makamo through the rich history of South African football, the PSL’s evolution into being the best league in Africa and how the Betway Premiership Trophy can be a symbol of this exceptional rise.
“It was an honour to meet the Chairman. There was no way this project could have started without first receiving his blessing, because he knows so much about the history and legacy of football,” Makamo explained in the statement.
Makamo, who also grew up playing the game and was named after one of South Africa’s greatest players, Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, expressed his personal delight to being a part of such a historic moment for the sport in the country.
“I can say that football really is in my blood. I know what it has done for us as a people, and when I received this call, I was humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility given to me,” he said.
“I have worked around the world, but this project means so much to me because it is something that we will look at years from now and be proud of what we have created,” Makamo said of the new trophy design.
Dr Khoza welcomed the appointment of Makamo, pointing out that football and art are both deeply ingrained across South African culture.
“I was very excited when I heard that Betway are working with a talent of Nelson Makamo’s calibre. Football and art are about expression, emotion and people. Nelson Makamo’s work speaks for itself and having now met him, I know he has a deep passion for football and the game’s history in this country. I am so proud that this trophy will be created by one of our own, to celebrate the very best of us,” Dr Khoza said.
“I am a football fan first. So, I want to see this new trophy for the first time when the rest of South Africa sees it. I love surprises, and I cannot wait to see what Nelson Makamo creates,” concluded the PSL Chairman.
Reiterating the brand’s commitment to the past, present and the future of South African football, Betway’s Head of Marketing Mark Rowles explained that the trophy that will be created by Makamo is a gift from the Betway Premiership sponsors.
“Collaborating with an artist is ambitious and exciting, which is exactly what we and the Premier Soccer League are about. His work has gone around the world, and he represents the very best that we have to offer as a country. We are delighted to have him on board, to create something unique, which will live forever as a testament to our commitment to football,” said Rowles.