The UEFA Europa League trophy made a historic touchdown to African shores on Thursday, 26 October, as Johannesburg – the City of Gold as it is affectionately known across the continent, will host their first ever UEFA Europa League trophy showcase.
Courtesy of UEFA Europa League official partner and globally acclaimed vehicle rental company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, this trophy showcase forms part of the vehicle renting company’s global strategy of re-affirming its leading position as a leader in the transport and car rental business.
As proud sponsors of the UEFA Europa League, Enterprise Rent-A-Car South Africa brought the coveted trophy, which is the heaviest of all UEFA silverware to African soil for the very first time in the tournament’s 52-year history – marking a significant step in being a first-hand driver in fan engagement.
In just six months of being operational in Africa, Enterprise Rent-A-Car South Africa is miles ahead in creating unique customer experiences and global services through the arrival of one of the most coveted pieces of world football silverware – with more innovation expected in the near future.
Present at the glittering event held in the north of Johannesburg, Melrose Arch, was global icon John Obi Mikel as well as South African legend and former captain, Lucas Radebe.
Both Mikel and Radebe conducted a coaching clinic for the Stars of Africa academy before enjoying a live-broadcast of the Olympiakos and West Ham United FC match with the locals in Johannesburg.
Sharing his thoughts on the arrival of the trophy in Africa, Obi-Mikel said seeing the trophy in Africa was a great step taken by Enterprise Rent-A-Car South Africa as it would spark a sense of belief in aspiring young footballers in Africa that they could one day play in one of the best competition in world football.
“Seeing this UEFA Europa League trophy here brings back so many memories of playing against some of the best clubs in Europe. I have had the pleasure of playing in this tournament and for the actual trophy to be brought to Africa, it affords youngsters the opportunity to dream and believe that they too can play in such an international competition. A big thank you to Enterprise Rent-A-Car South Africa for such forward thinking, as it plays a big role in
changing the minds of aspiring footballers who are not accustomed to having big dreams” said Mikel.
Speaking on behalf of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car South Africa, Aslam Seedat said the brand was thrilled to be leveraging off this partnership and deliver unique and exceptional fan- engagement opportunities for the South African market.
“Not only is this an exciting time for us as a brand, we are truly honoured to be at the forefront of history by bringing this strikingly beautiful piece of silverware to Africa for the very first time. The global success that Enterprise Rent-A-Car enjoys today is as a result of our ongoing efforts of creating unforgettable customer experiences across our markets. We believe that through such engagements, we can further entrench ourselves here in South Africa and across the continent as a leader in transport and car rental business.
A second UEFA Europa League trophy showcase will be activated at the Cape Town’s VA Waterfront on Friday afternoon where football fans in the Mother City will enjoy the unique experience of being up and close with one of Europe’s most sought-after pieces of silverware, while also engaging with the legendary John Obi-Mikel and Lucas Radebe.
