THE award ceremony was held at the glittering evening at Melrose, celebrating its second edition.
Designed by Betway, the programme seeks to curb the continued plight of unemployment and depression faced by retired athletes in South Africa, whose aim is equipping former sports legends with entrepreneurial skills.
Over the six-month period, the legends comprising of former athletes across the fields of football, rugby, cricket, netball, mixed-martial arts, boxing and canoeing were exposed to theoretical and practical modules across Marketing, Media, Event Management, Branding and Entrepreneurship by various sport and business industry experts.
The graduation ceremony also saw the highly anticipated Betway Innovation Series winner.
“We are immensely proud of all the Betway 12th Man participants. Their journey over the past few months has been nothing short of inspiring thanks to their commitment to the programme.
As a brand that is deeply invested in South African sport, such initiatives underscore our passion for sport in its totality, which includes our retired stars who have given so much to the rich history books of South African sport.
Through such a programme, Betway not only demonstrates its appreciation to them, but aims to guide them in re-inventing themselves for the world of business and entrepreneurship,” said Mark Rowles, Head of Marketing at Betway South Africa.
The programme for 2024 might have wrapped up, the journey continues over the next six months for all 12, following the final module of the programme which was the Betway Innovation Series that saw the participants paired in groups to present a business idea to a panel of judges who will also act as mentors in guiding them to gradually build and scale their business ideas.
Betway Innovation Series winners who’s business ideas won them a share of the R300 000.00 to start up their businesses namely:
- Nontle Gwavu – Elite Netball Academy: R110 000.00
To unearth, incubate and nurture young netballers by providing them with high quality coaching, mentorship and competitive opportunities
- Dino Baggatin & Hekkie Budler: R100 000.00
Nice Guys Management: A program that teaches Combat Sports for the Youth in underprivileged areas as well as relieve stress & anxiety in the work environment
- Benson Mhlongo – Sports Legends Live:
A television show that connects fans with sports legends.
Graduates includes:
Benson Mhlongo (Football); Benedict Vilakazi (Football); Janine Van Wyk (Football); Maud Khumalo (Football); Ayavuya Myoli (Cricket); Mangaliso Mosehle (Cricket); Hekkie Budler (Boxing); Dino Baggatin (MMA); Morgan Newman (Rugby); Bridgitte Hartley (Canoeing); Nontle Gwavu (Netball); Phumza Maweni (Netball).
The likes of various Betway Brand Ambassadors which included Victor Matfield, Lucas Radebe as well as coach Simphiwe Dludlu, attended the graduation ceremony.
Image supplied (BETWAY 12th Man Programme honours 12 icons during graduation ceremony held at Melrose Arch).
