– Following the successful launch and rollout of the first workshop of Season 2 of the Betway 12th Man programme, participants comprising 12 retired sports icons shared wave reviews about the programme’s first workshop which was held between 19 – 20 June in Johannesburg.
Back for a second season, following a successful edition in 2019, the Betway 12th Man has made an exciting return with a refined offering for retired football, rugby, boxing, cricket, netball, mixed-martial arts and canoeing athletes who have contributed immensely to South Africa’s rich sporting history books.
Following the official launch and conclusion of Workshop 1, the 12 icons will meet again for the second workshop of the four-month programme in Johannesburg between 02 – 03 July, as they continue on this exciting journey with Betway.
With the ongoing plight faced by retired athletes in South Africa, the return of the Betway 12th Man comes at an opportune for the legends, with season 2 uniquely packaged to afford participants practical skills for reinventing themselves in the world of sport, media and business.
Speaking ahead of the start of Workshop 2, former Bafana Bafana star and current participant of the programme, Benedict Vilakazi hailed the success of the first workshop, adding that they were all looking forward to the next edition.
“We consider ourselves very fortunate to be a part of such a life-changing initiative by Betway. Before becoming professionals, most of us were informed about how sports would change our lives, but unfortunately, no one had the tough conversations about life after sports. Through this programme, we are being exposed to new and exciting possibilities that we can venture into and strategically use our names as a brand for new opportunities,” said the former Orlando Pirates captain.
“It is also exciting to be amongst a group of different personalities who are sharing some of their unique and common challenges that we are facing and being given solutions to. We are looking forward to the next workshop and the rest of the programme,” concluded Vilakazi.
The next workshop’s focus will be on Sponsorship and Effective Operations of Sport Federations, and the invited guest speakers include, Marketing and Sponsorship Executive, Rob Flemming and Gauteng Lions CEO, Jono Leaf Wright.
World Cup winning Springboks captain, Victor Matfield will also join the conversation on one of the days to have a heart-to-heart discussion with fellow retired athletes about the challenges and triumphs faced by other retired athletes.
