The case for a unified trophy in the PSL . . . tradition vs sponsorship
Sponsorship is the lifeblood of all sporting codes. Without it, professional sport as we know it would cease to exist.
With that money comes many perks and privileges, and, in the case of Premier Soccer League's (PSL) top flight, it also comes with a personalised trophy.
Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the new Betway Premiership trophy over the weekend after winning a record eighth consecutive league title. The new shiny gold trophy, designed by Nelson Makamo, replaced the silver and blue DStv trophy.
Before that, the ABSA Premiership trophy featured a cup with big handles on the side, reminiscent of the UEFA Champions League trophy. When the Premiership started in 1996, the Castle Premiership also featured a cup until 2007.
The South African top flight is one of the few leagues that changes their top prize to accommodate their sponsors. Most other major leagues around the world have one trophy design for their league winners.
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Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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