Visual contemporary artist, Nelson Makamo, details how much the task of designing the Betway Premiership trophy has meant to him.
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The story
Johannesburg-based Visual artist Nelson Makamo is commissioned by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to design to new Betway Premiership trophy.
Although it’s not clear when the design of the trophy will be unveiled, the anticipation for its reveal is heating up as the league season reaches its business end.
Makamo's trophy design journey started in November, when the PSL released a statement to announce the internationally-renowned painter as the creative lead trophy designer, describing it as a "First-of-its-kind design journey that will culminate in the unveiling of the Betway Premiership Trophy towards the end of this inaugural season."
In the same statement, the PSL stated that the Betway Premiership Trophy will be "presented to the PSL as its Lifetime Trophy, signifying Betway's unwavering commitment to future-proofing South African football for generations to come," adding more pressure for Makamo to execute a flawless design.
A video shared on Betway's Instagram page sees Makamo providing more details about the trophy design process, explaining that over 60 sketches were created to develop a design that promises to be a timeless relic.
"I think we probably did about 60 sketches. That's just how much and how important this project has been. A trophy is a symbol, a symbol of culture, of our league. Taking responsibility to design, it was to try and find a common space," said Makamo, who reflected on what he's learned as an artist over the years.
"Now, going back, I've learnt as an artist that if you're not part of the community, it can sometimes make it a little more difficult," added Makamo, who's working with an experienced metalsmith, Greg Pentopolous, to execute the new look trophy.
"I'm creating something that I believe will also inspire the players. Emotion? I'm a human being, there will be emotion. It's feeling more than anything else, and my approach to the trophy is also the same. But I'm also getting to the point of understanding that I also have to meet the footballers halfway.
"In respect to them, I want to simplify, but create something that will make every fan go to the stadium because they would want their team to lift it. I've poured my heart into this," concluded Makamo.
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