Latest news with #SupersportUnited
IOL News
19-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
All well and good to ‘Pick ‘n Play', but think about safeguarding football's integrity
Days after Supersport United CEO Stanley Matthews celebrated with coach Andre Arendse after surviving relegation in Pretoria against Golden Arrows, the Tshwane club sold its franchise. Never again will the Matsatsantsa faithful ever see their beloved team in action again. While this practice may be tempting for investors seeking financial gain, it is essential to examine the detrimental effects it has on club identity, community connections, and the integrity of the game itself. A growing trend in the buy-and-sell practice of local club franchises has raised deep concerns. It poses a threat to the integrity of the sport that is woven through the nation's cultural fabric. As football holds significant cultural importance for countless supporters, the ramifications of this trend are substantial, resonating far beyond the pitch. At this time of the year, the landscape of South African football evolves, and not always for the better. Buying and selling Premier Soccer League (PSL) football club franchises has raised concerns about the integrity and stability of the sport. It has the potential to undermine its traditional structures and values. While such transactions can bring financial investment and potentially improve a club's standing, they also introduce risks such as financial instability, and loss of local identity. Loss of identity and community connection Clubs represent more than just teams; they embody the dreams, histories, and cultures of their communities. However, the buying and selling of franchises can severely undermine identity and community connections. Relocations to different cities or name changes often echo the whims of new ownership rather than the traditions that fans hold dear. For instance, when a beloved club is renamed or uprooted from its traditional home, it severs vital ties with its supporter base, alienating those who have stood by the team through thick and thin. Historical legacies are tarnished, rivalries diluted, and the emotional investment of fans is often disregarded. Loyal supporters can find themselves disconnected, leading to dwindling attendance and support for a team which has changed beyond recognition. Prioritising profit over sporting integrity With the potential for rapid financial returns, the acquisition of football clubs can create an environment focused squarely on short-term profits rather than sustainable sporting success. Critically, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has faced scrutiny for its insufficient vetting of new owners, some questionably stable or motivated solely by financial ambition. This lack of due diligence raises concerns about the long-term viability of clubs linked to owners with a limited understanding of the football landscape. As clubs owned by financially unstable individuals struggle to meet player payments, their on-field performance also suffers, creating a vicious cycle of instability. The focus on quick monetary gains can eclipse the essential areas of long-term development and community engagement that are vital for a club's success. Undermining competition with franchise acquisitions A key tenet of football worldwide is the promotion and relegation system, a mechanism designed to foster competitive balance. However, purchasing a franchise effectively circumvents this structure, allowing less meritocratic routes to higher leagues. As the integrity of sporting merit becomes threatened, clubs might abandon youth investment and strategic planning in favour of simply acquiring a position in a higher tier, distorting the competitive landscape. Addressing the challenges ahead To address these issues and preserve the essence of South African football, several critical steps need to be taken. Firstly, the PSL must strengthen regulations by implementing rigorous vetting procedures for potential club owners, including thorough financial checks and background assessments. Moreover, protecting club identity should be paramount, with restrictions placed on relocations and name changes that adversely affect longstanding supporter bases. Encouraging sustainable ownership and responsible management is equally vital to establishing a landscape that prioritises long-term success over immediate financial benefits. Enhanced fan engagement also plays a crucial role; clubs must build robust relationships with their supporters and actively include them in key decision-making processes. By addressing these urgent issues, South African football can aspire to a more sustainable and competitive future, where clubs are cherished for their sporting achievements and their intrinsic ties to their communities.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to his son Calvin Le John for purchasing Siwelele FC
Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie and his son, Calvin Le John, who has purchased Siwelele FC for R50 million from PSL outfit Supersport United. Image: Facebook The R50 million sale of Supersport United to Calvin Le John, the son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, has raised eyebrows around the country, as many question possible conflict of interest. Although the deal still awaits final approval from the PSL Executive Committee, McKenzie seems confident that this will be no issue, waxing platitudes about his businessman son, who is running their family business. Taking to Facebook on Saturday morning, amid many questions around the deal, McKenzie said his eldest son had been born 'five hours after I have been jailed for 17 years'. 'You grew up seeing me through jail bars. You never visited me on the weekends of the home games of Siwelele because you and your grandpa would go and watch the games religiously just like me and him when I was young,' he said, attempting to connect with fans of the defunct Bloemfontein Celtics. McKenzie said the purchase of Siwelele FC was a moment of connection between himself, and his son. 'I remember you told me that it brings you closer to me emotionally knowing that you are doing the same thing I did with my father and your grandfather. 'You suffered not growing up without your dad, I thank God for a powerful mother who stood in the gap. 'You are the main reason why I behaved better because I wanted to come out and didn't wanna see you grow up through jail bars forever,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ McKenzie said he has handed over control of their family business to his son, since he was now dedicated to his political party, the Patriotic Alliance. 'You have taken full control of the family businesses, you move differently than me, you take the businesses in another direction and I trust you, don't always agree but I trust you. 'I agree fully with your purchase of Supersport because we both stood at the deathbed of my father and your grandad and we promised that we will always look after Siwelele. 'Lastly to the people of the Free State Siwelele is not a team, it's our Heritage, our Culture and part of our Soul. My friend Jessica Motaung tried everything to make me a Chiefs supporter and I steadfastly refused because Siwelele is in my bone marrow,' said McKenzie. IOL
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
COMMENT: Why South African fans should be concerned about the sale of SuperSport United
Supersport United CEO Stanley Matthews celebrates with coach Andre Arendse after surviving relegation in Pretoria against Golden Arrows. Image: BACKPAGEPIX The sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele Football Club, pending PSL Executive Committee approval, has reignited an uncomfortable reality in South African football — one that has quietly unfolded over the past decade. Clubs are no longer preserved for legacy, community, or youth development. They are bought and sold like stock — and for fans, that's deeply worrying. SuperSport's decision to offload United after 30 years is not an isolated event. It joins a growing list of high-profile sales and disappearances that have reshaped the domestic football landscape. Bloemfontein Celtic was sold and rebranded. Bidvest Wits was bought out and vanished with 99 years of South African football history overnight. Highlands Park? Gone! Platinum Stars? Disbanded! Free State Stars? History! And now, even one of the most professionally run clubs in the league, with multiple league titles and a respected academy, has opted to exit the scene. The problem is no longer about struggling clubs at the bottom — it's about the very foundations of club ownership in the PSL. What makes this trend more concerning is the growing number of sales to individuals who have money, but little footballing vision. The sale of SuperSport United — to a company led by Calvin Lee John, the son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie — once again raises questions about the motive behind such deals. McKenzie has made no secret of his desire to revive Bloemfontein Celtic and restore football in the Free State. But it's unclear whether this deal is rooted in football ambition or political convenience. And that's the danger — South African football is increasingly vulnerable to being captured by people with deep pockets, but no real interest in development, sustainability, or the supporters themselves.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL rescheduling sparks rulebook row after three-month delay
Bradley Grobler of Supersport United reacts dafter their defeat to Richards Bay this past weekend. United have one half or football left his season, against Golden Arrows, on Thursday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix On Monday, the PSL rescheduled the abandoned Betway Premiership match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows — a staggering three months after its initial postponement. This curious twist of fate has stirred controversy and left many questioning the league's commitment to their own rules, after the PSL appeared to throw their NSL Handbook out of the window with this call. The handbook is the definitive guide to match protocols and regulations, dictating a more timely resolution to such interruptions as loadshedding. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The original encounter took place in late February. It was interrupted at half-time, with both teams locked in a stalemate at 1–1, when the stadium lights unexpectedly went out, plunging the game into darkness. Under Rule 14.16 of the NSL Handbook, it is stipulated that matches interrupted by loadshedding or other causes of inadequate lighting must be resumed within 48 hours at an agreed-upon time and venue. However, the fixture's resumption has been delayed for three months, raising concerns over fairness in the league's operations. The match, now scheduled for 12pm on Thursday, could determine SuperSport's fate in the PSL relegation/promotion play-offs — a scenario that places significant weight on the outcome and raises questions about compliance with NSL procedures. Mathematically, Golden Arrows could still reach the coveted Top 8 if they win the match with a mammoth margin of six goals. The handbook explicitly underscores the necessity of a backup generator, highlighting the importance of maintaining functionality during unforeseen power failures. SuperSport United, as the host club, may argue that they do not own the stadium. However, in hiring the venue, they are responsible for ensuring that it meets all PSL match-day requirements — including the provision of backup power. To date, no action has been taken against SuperSport. The PSL must ensure that clubs hiring stadiums are never again left vulnerable to the uncertainties of power shortages. This latest development sets a concerning precedent for match resumptions beyond the previously established 48-hour window — sparking speculation over whether such timeframes remain enforceable, despite their inclusion in the handbook.
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Four to Watch: Stars set to shine in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON final
Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 As the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt nears its climax, all eyes turn to the eagerly awaited final between Morocco and South Africa on Sunday in Cairo. Both sides have impressed throughout the tournament, earning hard-fought victories in the semi-finals and showing depth, resilience, and flair in their run to the title decider. At the heart of these performances lie a handful of exceptional young talents—players who have not only carried their teams forward but are also expected to play pivotal roles in determining who lifts the trophy. Among those set to take centre stage are two Moroccan stars—midfield anchor Reda Laalaoui and the versatile forward Jones El Abdellaoui—as well as South Africa's attacking spark Thabang Mahlangu and midfield maestro Shakeel April. With goals, assists, and standout performances, these four have defined their nations' tournament narratives and could now etch their names into history. 1. Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa, Supersport United, Age 19) Mahlangu has been one of the tournament's breakout stars. The Supersport United forward has played in six matches, scoring three crucial goals—including a match-winning strike against DR Congo in the quarter-finals. He earned a Man of the Match rating of 7.8 in that game and another solid 6.7 against Nigeria in the semi-final. A livewire with sharp movement and instinctive finishing, Mahlangu's influence in the final third could be South Africa's trump card on Sunday. 2. Shakeel April (South Africa, Cape Town City, Age 19) Another key cog in South Africa's run, April is a dynamic midfielder with a knack for unlocking defences. In five matches played, April has registered one goal and one assist—most notably setting up Mahlangu's winner against DR Congo. His technical skill and vision were on full display in that quarter-final, where he posted a good match rating. Despite a minor injury in the semi-final against Nigeria, April's creativity remains vital in the final. 3. Jones El Abdellaoui (Morocco, Celta Vigo, Age 19) The Spanish-based forward has featured in three matches for Morocco and made them count—scoring against Egypt in the semi-final and notching a 7.6 rating in just 26 minutes. The Celta Vigo man brings top-level experience and clinical finishing to Morocco's attack. His goal against the hosts secured their place in the final and showed he has the temperament for big moments. 4. Reda Laalaoui (Morocco, FUS Rabat, Age 20) Morocco's midfield general, Laalaoui has been instrumental in their journey to the final. The FUS Rabat star has started four matches, earning rave reviews for his control and consistency. His 8.1-rated display over 120 minutes against Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals stood out as one of the tournament's best individual performances. Calm under pressure and precise in distribution, Laalaoui's leadership and poise will be essential in the final.
