One of South Africa’s companies has established a nationwide platform to enhance soccer development in various communities.
Betway South Africa’s ongoing efforts towards propelling the development of community sport were elevated on February 4 as the leading sports betting provider officially launched an innovative community initiative, the #BetwayCares Skills Hub.
The nationwide programme aims to bridge the gap between the shortage of skills programmes and the employability of the South African community during such challenging economic times.
Betway will be travelling the lengths and breaths of the country, affording communities a platform to enhance their soccer coaching, refereeing and administration skills through accredited courses and workshops provided through the Skills Hub.
Building on from the solid foundation laid by the success of the brand’s #BetwayCares CSI programme, Betway will now be partnering with various sports federations, training institutions and key stakeholders to bring lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the sports fraternity which include a lack of trained coaches, officials and administrators.
Betway SA marketing manager, David Rachidi said the brand was looking forward to its refined and more concerted approach to making a difference.
“Betway remains committed to developing the South African community who will one day contribute to creating a thriving nation for all. As a caring brand that is deeply vested in giving back, we felt that it was important for us to unlock opportunities that will empower and contribute to building sustainable sporting communities.
“While the need for equipment and apparel remains a dire need for most communities, it was equally important that we cast the net wider to identify and tackle the root cause of the challenges faced by our communities,” said Rachidi.
“Working closely with our partners, we believe the #BetwayCares Skills Hub will play a fitting role in bridging this gap, while at the same time significantly reducing the ripple effect caused by the shortage of qualified leaders in our community sport organisations, clubs and programmes,” said Rachidi.
In maintaining a close understanding of the challenges faced by communities, the #BetwayCares Skills Hub will be partnering with different sporting personalities who all share a common passion with the brand of giving back.
This includes Proteas legend, Makhaya Ntini, former Banyana Banyana captain, Simphiwe Dludlu, former Springbok captain, Victor Matfield, as well as Netball South Africa (NSA) senior national team assistant coach, Dumisani Chauke. The selected sporting icons will be part of the various monthly training programmes.
“Working closely with Betway last year through its #BetwayCares programme demonstrated the brand’s keen interest in giving back to communities in a meaningful way. The #BetwayCares Skills Hub comes at an opportune time where there is a need for skills training in our communities.
“While football remains my passion, I am even more excited to see how the #BetwayCares Skills Hub will empower individuals across different sporting codes across the country,” said Dludlu.
