Johannesburg-based visual artist Nelson Makamo is commissioned by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to conceptualise to new Betway Premiership trophy.
Although the trophy was unknown, the excitement for its unveiling was building as the league season enters the business end.
Makamo’s designing of the trophy kicked off last November, when the PSL released a statement to announce the internationally-renowned painter as the creative director trophy designer, describing it as a “First-of-its-kind design experience that will lead to the reveal of the Betway Premiership Trophy at the end of this inaugural season.”
In the same statement, the PSL continued that the Betway Premiership Trophy will be “handed over to the PSL as its Lifetime Trophy, demonstrating Betway’s long-term commitment to future-proofing South African football for generations to come,” putting more pressure on Makamo to create a flawless design.
A video posted on the Instagram page of Betway has Makamo detailing more of the trophy design process, stating that more than 60 sketches were done to come up with a design that will be an everlasting relic.
“I believe we worked close to 60 sketches. That’s how much and how many this project has represented. A trophy is a symbol, a symbol of culture, of our league. Taking ownership to design, it was to try to reach common ground,” Makamo said, reflecting on what he’s learned as an artist over the years.
“Now, in hindsight, I’ve discovered as an artist that unless you’re part of the community, it could make it a little bit harder,” Makamo said, teaming with veteran metalsmith Greg Pentopolous to introduce the new look trophy.
Makamo Calls the Betway Premiership “A love letter” The trophy was revealed as Mamelodi Sundowns cleched the Title for 8 Consecutive times.
