South Africa’s internationally acclaimed artist Nelson Makamo has described his Betway Premiership trophy design as a piece of artistic allure in both gold and silver that also embodies fans of the game. Photo: Sipho Siso

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When internationally acclaimed South African artist Nelson Makamo accepted the
Premier Soccer League invite to design a new trophy for the Betway Premiership, he
had no illusions about the mammoth task that lay ahead.

“When I was called upon to design the new trophy, my mother asked me why I
agreed to do this mammoth project and my answer was simple and I told her that it
has always been in my blood not just as an artist but a soccer fanatic as well to
contribute in one way or the other to the beautiful game, and this was my only
chance to do so,” Makamo said at a pre-league derby press conference of the
Soweto giants that took place ahead of the clash at the FNB Stadium on May 3.

“So many trophies have been designed before and to come up with a new trophy
design is a daunting task, but I told myself I will be up to it. I accepted the challenge
with both hands and hope trophy work will inspire others to also play a role in our
football, one way or the other,” Makamo added.

Makamo said the trophy was done and dusted and all that remains is to unveil it to
the football loving South African public. “We kept it under wraps for the simple
reasons of interference and possibly influence. We felt it was important to keep the
football guessing until it is unveiled,” he said.

The only slight detail he was prepared to give away was the fact that it has a
presence of gold and another of silver to embody ‘our’ football achievements so far
as a gold and silver. “We also had to embrace the fans in our design, and above all,
it is a symbol of football. Wait until you see it and hopefully, you will agree with me,”
Makamo said.