Nelson Makamo, the artist who designed the Betway Premiership trophy, has explained what the different parts of the new silverware mean, while the league’s sponsor confirmed it’s a “permanent trophy”.
The new piece of silverware was presented on Sunday, when Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to win the Betway Premiership under the Betway sponsorship.
The Premier Soccer League entered into a new three-year partnership with betway in the beginning of the 2024/25 season, replacing DStv and MultiChoice, with chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza stating the new deal was worth up to R900 million.
As part of the new partnership, new logos and slogans were presented, while a new trophy had been promised but it took until May for it to be presented to the public – and the trophy has definitely got local football fans talking
“I wanted to achieve something unique but also something that is us,” Makamo told SuperSport, addressing the ideas behind the design.
“We are quite a collective country. I think that was the thinking behind – creating something that would reflect and show who we are.
“There’s a tree and that tree symbolises South Africa. That’s the first thing that we incorporated that is outside football. The tree defines the roots with how the league started.
“I looked at celebration in soccer, and I thought a trophy is victory and celebration. I wanted to capture that because I think any team that because champion it brings the spirit of celebration.
“Gold – there is a lot of players whose fathers or grandfathers used to work in the mines. We have a lot of things in South Africa that we can use as symbol of who we are.
“The trophy is one of many things that inspire to the current and future soccer stars that now you have something to play for.”
HERE TO STAY!
Meanwhile betway also confirmed that the new trophy is a “permanent trophy”, with all previous league winners engraved in the foundation part of the silverware.
“For the first time ever, the PSL has its own permanent trophy – a work of art, legacy and a celebration of South Africa football at its finest,” Betway Africa stated on their LinkedIn account.
“Crafted by world-renowned article Nelson Makamo, this one-of-a-kind trophy was officially handed over to Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2024 PSL champions, on Sunday 18 May.
“At Betway Africa, we’re incredible proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life – honouring the players, the fans and the passion that drives the beautiful game across our continent.
“Here’s to a new era. One rooted in excellence, unity and national pride.”
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