Launch of Betway 12th man
The Betway 12
th Man initiative, anchored by former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, will give the legends the skills they need to not only lead their own teams and run their own programmes, but also to give back to the communities that supported them game-after-game.
Former Orlando Pirates defender, and participant in the Betway 12
th Man initiative, Edward Motale, summed up the programme perfectly in his own words, “Betway is making us believe that there is life after football,” he said.
Motale joins ten former South African footballers in the programme, which will see the legends embark on a life-changing journey over the next six months. Anchored by Bafana Bafana legend, Lucas Radebe, the Betway 12
th Man programme will see the ex-footballers graduate with key skills and qualifications that they can use to increase their chances of employment.
The first workshop of the initiative got underway on 20 February at the Ten Bompas Hotel, and took place over two information-filled days.
The first day of training and presentations took the legends through a short course in administration while the second day focused on facing the media, conducting interviews, and the value of social media.
The participants will eventually complete a total of five workshops, each of which will cover key aspects such as skill acquisition, club administration, and coaching – ultimately culminating in them graduating from the programme.
But the programme doesn’t end after graduation. Betway will keep in touch with the legends through monthly check-ins, reports, and feedback forms, and will provide constant support as the former professionals continue their individual journeys.
The following former players are participating in the initiative:
- Alfred Phiri - Jomo Cosmos, Genclerbiligi, Samsunspor, Jomo Cosmos, Ajax Cape Town, Moroka Swallows, Supersport United
- Andries Mpondo – Moroka Swallows
- Edward Motale – Orlando Pirates
- Fikile Sithole – Soweto Ladies, Banyana Banyana
- Portia Modise - Soweto Ladies, Banyana Banyana
- Khabo Zitha – Mamelodi Sundowns, Soweto Ladies
- Gloria Hlalele – Soweto Ladies
- Sibongile Khumalo – Soweto Ladies
- Steve Lekoelea – Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United, Platinum Stars, Mbabane Highlanders
- Steve Sekano – Moroka Swallows
“During our playing days, very few of us had the privilege of getting good advice and as a result, life has been very difficult for a number of ex-professionals,” said Radebe.
“I believe the Betway 12
th Man is such an important initiative to give back to these legends who have invested so much in the game. Our football is where it is today because of the time and effort they gave, and I have to applaud Betway for recognising and upskilling them in such an impactful manner.”
To keep up to date with the Betway 12
th Man initiative, you can follow #Betway12thMan on social media.