New Betway Premiership trophy unveiled: A new legacy for South Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns become the first champions to lift the newly unveiled Betway Premiership trophy, a powerful symbol of heritage, unity, and victory.
South Africa.- In a moment that blended sport with culture, art and history, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) finally revealed the much-anticipated Betway Premiership trophy – an awe-inspiring creation sculpted by globally celebrated South African artist Nelson Makamo.
Unveiled during Mamelodi Sundowns’ coronation as new 2025 champions, the silverware marks more than just victory; it signals the dawn of a new era in local football.
After the league’s blockbuster R900 million ($48m), three-year deal with Betway, which replaced DStv and MultiChoice as the title sponsor, a promise of transformation was made. In May, that promise came to life in shining, symbolic form.
Names of past champions engraved
More than just a new prize, the Betway Premiership trophy is also the league’s first-ever permanent silverware. The base is engraved with the names of all past champions, anchoring South African football history into its very foundation.
“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 proudly.
“Here’s to a new era. One rooted in excellence, unity and national pride.”
Designer Makamo, who has made his mark on the international art scene, brought the soul of South Africa to centre stage in his design.
“I wanted to achieve something unique but also something that is us,” he told SuperSport.
“We are quite a collective country… There’s a tree and that tree symbolises South Africa… The tree defines the roots with how the league started.”
A heritage of mining and soccer
But the deeper meaning doesn’t stop there. Drawing inspiration from mining heritage, soccer celebrations, and generational legacy, the trophy reflects both the past and the future.
“The trophy is one of many things that inspire the current and future soccer stars that now you have something to play for,” Makamo added.
With the gleaming trophy in their hands and the weight of history behind them, Sundowns may have lifted more than just silverware, they hoisted a legacy.
