Nie Cele
BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!!! English Premier League’s priceless coveted trophy is in the country, thanks to a trophy tour organised by Castrol a British oil company that markets industrial and automotive lubricants , offering a wide range of oil , greases and similar products.
According to the organisers this trophy tour initiative, is aimed at inspiring and engaging with soccer fans across Mzansi.
The 32 years old coveted trophy’s first stop was at an upmarket Four Seasons hotel in Westcliff Johannesburg.
The event was graced by Jay Jay Okocha, Nigerian former footballer who also played in England during his playing days.
Okocha spoke largely to the media on a variety of subjects pertaining to football matters and said in his entire philosophy of life this was the closest occasion for him to be next to the trophy.
Pressed about the plight of footballers who played at the highest level but find themselves cash-strapped and poverty stricken post their football careers. He said, “No one prepared us as players about life after football and investments. It happens everywhere. My humble beginnings helped me a lot.
I needed to invest some money in order to live a comfortable life after my career. Family pressure and everyday praises are also a contributory factor. This can be resolved if legendary players advices young players.”
Jennifer Heyes, Castrol Head of Marketing told guests this was a momentous and special event.
“Both Castrol and Premiership League reaches millions of people around the world.”
Heyes also revealed Castrol is a loved brand that has stood the test of time and is celebrating 125 years of existence.
“We are also rebranding and changing our logo. This is a sign
we are moving to a new phase.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Castrol is one of the sponsors of the English Premiership League.
READ BELOW ADDITIONAL STORY.
CASTROL BRINGS THE PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY TO AFRICA
Fans of Africa’s favourite game are revelling in fun and excitement this month as Castrol brings the Premier League Trophy to Southern Africa, along with a programme packed with celebrities, festivities, and giveaways.
Castrol , has a long-standing history of supporting soccer, both globally and in Africa. In South Africa, Castrol’s commitment to the game is evident through its sponsorship of various events during the FIFA 2010 World Soccer Cup and the eight Skillz Holiday Programmes, which utilised soccer as a platform to educate and entertain young learners.
“Castrol and the Premier League signed a partnership that began in January 2022, building on our successful sponsorships of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships,” says Jennifer Heyes, Marketing Director Africa at Castrol.
“We sponsor several awards in the Premier League, such as the Castrol Golden Boot for the player with the most goals of the season, Castrol Playmaker of the Season for the player with the most assists, and the Castrol Golden Glove, awarded to the goalkeeper with the cleanest sheets for the season.”
Last year’s winners of the Golden Boot were Son Heung-Min & Mo Salah, while the Golden Glove went to Alisson and Ederson. Mo Salah was the Playmaker of the Season.
This made for a perfect alignment to bring the trophy to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe leading up to the final match on 19 May 2024, in which Manchester City is defending the title.
“We are delighted to raise the profile of our brand and the Premier League even further with a fun, action-packed programme in South Africa around the trophy and our living soccer legends,” Heyes says.
The Trophy Tour is the culmination of a competition held in February, March, and April in which customers of Castrol and bpSA have had the chance to win up to R1 million in prizes.
Events are being held to showcase the trophy and meet one of Africa’s iconic players, Jay Jay Okocha, at five bp forecourts (bp Kyalami, bp Maponya, bp Bryanston, bp Grayston Drive, and bp William Nicol) as well as malls in Gauteng (Maponya Mall, Mall of Africa).
At the forecourt festivities the Trophy is on display alongside live radio broadcasts, photo opportunities and merchandise giveaways.
After South Africa, the Premier League Trophy Tour will move to Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Melanie van Straaten, Sales Director at Castrol Southern Africa, said: “We have put a lot of thought and planning into devising a programme of events that will reach out to and reverberate with our customers and soccer fans. We have drawn on the allure of soccer legends, radio personalities, and social media influencers to bring the game alive for a wider audience.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Castrol serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors with branded products recognised globally for innovation and high performance.
ADDITIONAL INFO SUPPLIED.
