Betway is new jockey of the premiership
Premier Soccer League chairperson Dr Irvin 'Iron Duke' Khoza says the league will not impose penalties on DStv for early withdrawal from the contract as 'I don't want them to say Khoza is a bottomless pit of ingratitude'.
It’s now official that sports betting company Betway is the new ‘makoti’ of the Premier Soccer League after striking a marriage to sponsor the Betway Premiership.
The arrival of the Betway Premiership has been the subject of speculation on social media discussions for a couple of weeks now, and the premier division of football will now be known as the Betway Premiership, taking over from the DStv.
League chairperson Dr Irvin ‘Iron Duke’ Khoza welcomed the new makoti as a major boost to the sport, “This is a massive boost for every football lover in this country. Our partnership with Betway confirms our league’s standing as one of the best in the world and heralds a wonderful future for our game.
“Betway’s energy and enthusiasm will immediately impact across all facets of the game, and on behalf of the PSL, I am proud to welcome them on board as title sponsor and partner.”
Khoza also announced August 3 as the start date of the new 2024/25 season of the Betway Premiership for an amount of R900m and will run for the coming three years, subject to renewal.
Khoza defended the choice of a betting company to sponsor the sponsor against the background of previous refusals to accept sponsorship from such companies. “Football rules also evolve with the game. With controls now in place, we can now safely say they are welcome.”
He added the league already has several clubs that are sponsored by betting companies and pointed out teams such as SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates
On whether DStv would be levied penalties for early withdrawal from the contract, Khoza said, “I don’t want them to say Khoza is a bottomless pit of ingratitude, hence there will be no penalties imposed.”
Betway Africa CEO Laurence Michel believes that the deal marks the beginning of a new era for the premier division of football, adding Betway looks forward to helping write a new chapter in the Premier Soccer League’s rich soccer history.
“Football is a fundamental part of South African life. It is in our blood and DNA and has been for generations. We are incredibly proud to be the title partner of the Betway Premiership. It further demonstrates, not only our respect for the history of the league but our vision for the development of its future. The league aligns with our values as a brand that commonly champions great South African success stories,” Michel said.
Formally established in 1996, but with roots that go back nearly a century, the Premier Soccer League is indisputably the most popular sporting competition in South Africa, with legendary characters, dearly loved clubs and rivalries that capture the essence of football and culture in this country.
