Potential sale of SuperSport United casts yet another shadow over Premier Soccer League
The rumoured sale of the Premiership's mainstay throws a big shadow over local soccer.
Although SuperSport United have downplayed reports of their sale in order to make space for the rebirth of Bloemfontein Celtic, the rumours that the club will become the latest to relinquish its top-flight status have once again cast the spotlight on the sustainability of the South African club soccer model.
It is no secret that local soccer clubs generally struggle financially. Only the 'big three' – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – boast vast financial resources. This is mostly because of their commercial backers, though for Sundowns being owned by the wealthy Motsepe family is also a factor.
But for the rest of the teams in the top division of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), it's touch-and-go to make ends meet and they rely heavily on the R2.5-million monthly grant the league gives them. These funds are part of the pool of money the league receives from broadcast rights as well as commercial partnerships.
But even this is never enough to cover all the costs of running a club, such as players' salaries, leasing venues (most of the sides do not own stadiums), ensuring ample security during home games and travel and accommodation costs when playing away.
Alarming situation
PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza has expressed sympathy for club owners in the past, saying those who are not backed by sponsors or do not have deep pockets face a 'painful' reality.
'The value of our business is built in the all-important value of sacrifice. Ours is a puny business, where those that shoulder the burden of ownership take all the risks yet receive the least of the benefit and spoils, if there are any left,' said Khoza.
In spite of growth in South African soccer, every so often there are reports of a team struggling to pay its players or being on the brink of being sold.
The way this unfolds is cause for concern. Teams that do not want to earn promotion to the top-flight league by putting in shifts on the field buy their way into it through these struggling teams.
The well-documented financial struggles of teams in the Premiership mean there will always be a market for this backdoor 'promotion' to the top division. Khoza has said he would prefer that it did not happen, or that a club keeps its name and remains in the same location in the event its ownership changes.
The PSL, though, does not have any written guidelines in this regard. Instead, it adopts a free market economy stance. This is why teams such as Bloemfontein Celtic and Wits are no longer at the forefront of local soccer despite boasting a combined history of more than a century before they disappeared into thin air.
Merry-go-round
To make matters worse, both the teams that bought Wits and Celtic's premier-division status are no longer in the Premiership. Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), who were in the second tier at the time, replaced a cash-strapped Wits in 2020.
They did not last long in the premier division, turning the league into a circus with a number of regrettable incidents, including players going on strike over unpaid salaries.
Midway through the 2020/21 season TTM were sold to businessperson and pharmacist Abram Sello, who changed the team's name to Marumo Gallants before the new season.
In another twist, Gallants were then relegated from the Premiership in 2023, falling to the Championship. They came back ahead of the current season – again via the backdoor as the financial struggles of Moroka Swallows gave Sello the perfect opportunity to buy his way into the Premiership again.
'Why do we buy the status instead of working hard? It's a very ugly question and easy to answer. Football has got rules, the PSL has got rules, and there is no way you are going to cross the bridge without following those laws and rules,' said Sello, defending his modus operandi.
'If the spirit has been killed, many clubs did that, but it is within the framework of the law in South Africa. They [teams who have bought their way up] have never killed any spirit. Marumo Gallants will not kill any spirit when what we are doing is within the framework of the PSL and governance. If what we are doing is stepping on anyone's toes, we apologise, but we are not doing anything illegal,' said Sello.
Teams such as AmaZulu have also bought the status of top-flight teams after failing to earn promotion from the Championship. Usuthu replaced Thanda Royal Zulu in the Premiership in 2017, and Mpumalanga Black Aces relinquished their status to Cape Town City the year before. TS Galaxy bought Highlands Park's status in 2020, and Celtic's went to Royal AM in 2021. Royal's four-year stay in the league was even more controversial than TTM's brief stint. The club was slapped with two transfer bans by world governing body Fifa, and it was recently expelled from the PSL after it was seized by the South African Revenue Service for tax-related transgressions by its owner, Shauwn Mkhize.
Followers of soccer in the country argue that the sale of a club's status, which also allows the new owners to relocate the club they buy, diminishes the integrity of the game in South Africa and the prestige and historical significance of it.
However, according to Khoza, the league's hands are tied and not much can be done when a club is insolvent and needs to be sold.
Now SuperSport United, one of the most successful clubs in the PSL era, with three league titles, may become the latest to cease to exist. It is owned by pay TV channel SuperSport, a subsidiary of MultiChoice, which has been shedding subscribers to its DStv packages.
SuperSport United have denied the reports, insisting that they are focused on finishing the season strongly.
Considering the contributions the club has made to South African soccer since it was bought in 1994, including producing some of the country's best players, it would be a shame if SuperSport United end up leaving the Premiership. Even if it means Celtic make a comeback. DM
This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Aiden Markram's magic edges Proteas closer to WTC victory over Australia at Lord's
Aiden Markram, so talented, so infuriating (because that talent deserves more runs), but on Friday so magnificent. His unbeaten 102 has given the Proteas the right to dream. 69 runs, just 69 runs. It doesn't look like a lot, but Australia will make it look triple that amount on Saturday. But before looking ahead, it is worth looking back and Markram was just sublime on Friday. South African supporters have dreamt of just this kind of knock from the former under-19 captain, from whom so much was and continues to be expected. Here he carved out what is undoubtedly the best innings of his life. A fulfilment of all that natural ability, as he mixed elegance, with guts, to ensure South African can dream. Markram, started so rapidly as South Africa set off in pursuit of 282 set by Australia — at stumps they were 213/2. A century of the highest class from Aiden Markram! 💯🔥 Composed under pressure, fearless in execution, what a time for a knock for the ages. 🇿🇦💪 A phenomenal player rising to the occasion when it matters most. Take a bow, Markram, pure brilliance! 🔥👏 #WTCFinal #WozaNawe … — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 13, 2025 That target that was probably 30 runs more than the Proteas had hoped to chase when they turned up at the ground on Friday morning. Australia's captain Pat Cummins said on Thursday evening that another '30 to 40 runs' on top of the 144/8 his side had overnight, would allow him to set attacking fields when South Africa batted for the final time. That happened, but it also left gaps and with the South African batters showing much better intent than was the case on Wednesday evening, alongside Australia not bowling at the same high standard they did in that period, the runs came quickly. Also the sun was out, and as irritating as the morning session was with Australia adding 73 runs and Starc reaching an unbeaten 58, it showed that the pitch was not as demonic as the first two days. Ryan Rickleton will be miffed that he got out the way he did. His provincial teammate, Wiaan Mulder, will feel the same, especially as he got a start, scoring 27, and sharing a second-wicket partnership of 61 with Markram. The opener, started with a gorgeous cover drive off Starc, building momentum that he was primarily responsible for maintaining through the innings. There were a few characteristically elegant back foot drives too through the covers, but arguably two of the best shots were deft late cuts — one off Starc and another off Beau Webster, the latter going finer to the third man boundary. The celebration of his hundred wasn't as animated as in the past — the was no leap for instance — just a punch of his right fist and a look up to the sky. With the captain Temba Bavuma not out on 65, ignoring the searing pain of a strained left hamstring to help forge a partnership that at stumps was worth 143 runs. Bavuma limped, hobbled and occasionally broke into something resembling a sprint when trying to complete a two after a delicate sweep off Travis Head. It looked bloody painful. It will need more treatment overnight, but you can bet your last rand, he'll be at the crease on Saturday morning. The South African captain's innings was not without luck, the biggest moment arriving early in his innings, when he'd scored just two and was dropped by Steve Smith at first slip off Starc. The former Australia captain was standing much closer to the stumps than is normal — wearing a helmet for protection — and the ball blasted through his fingers. He left the field in agony and was later diagnosed with a compound dislocation of his right little finger. Smith was taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A number of edges have fallen short of slips in the past two days, leading to both sides moving their respective cordons closer to the stumps. Like Smith, Markram also wore a helmet on Thursday night and again on Friday morning as he stood close against the quick bowlers. It was the main reason Marco Jansen, standing at gully, dropped Starc when he had 14, three balls before the close of play on the second evening. By the close of the third evening, South Africa were on top, they can dream.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
South African athletics mourns Mathews Leeto: A Tribute to 'The General'
Mathews Leeto, affectionately known as 'The General', remembered for his humility, quiet strength, and dedication to the sport. Image: Supplied The South African athletics community is in mourning following the death of elite long-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who died in a car accident on Wednesday, along with his coach, Motlagale. Leeto was a prominent member of the Hollywood Athletics Club and affectionately known by many as "The General" for his quiet strength and dignified presence on and off the track. The club expressed its deep sorrow, confirming the loss of 'one of our Elite athletes, Mathews Leeto, who tragically lost his life in a car accident yesterday.' 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, a supportive teammate, and a kind-hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General'. His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside,' said the club. Leeto's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with fellow runners and fans remembering both his athletic excellence and his humility. He leaves behind a young family, with the club urging the public to respect their privacy during this painful time. 'We stand in support of his loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.' On social media, long-time followers and fellow athletes have shared personal memories of Leeto's journey and rise in the running scene. Longtime friend and fellow athlete Tumelo Mabua shared a personal reflection on Facebook, remembering Leeto's breakthrough moment at the Tembisa Mile. 'He ran so fast that day that he led the race for 5km, with years came experience, and he matured,' Mabua wrote. He recalled how Leeto often laughed about being overtaken in that early race, a memory his coach never let him forget. Leeto's growth in the sport was evident in later achievements, including his standout performance at the Motsepe Foundation 10km Race. 'Leeto was establishing himself and taking his own space in the running arena. Sadly, we will not see much further. It's a blow to SA running,' Mabua said, ending his tribute with; 'May his soul rest in peace. Death be not proud!' 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 ✕ Hollywood Athletics Club said Mathews will be deeply missed by his clubmates, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. "He will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport, but for the way he carried himself with humility, grace, and quiet leadership.' The athletics world now awaits details of the upcoming memorial, with the club confirming; 'Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when available.' As the tributes continue to flow, the name 'Mathews Leeto' will be remembered not only for the races he ran, but for the spirit he embodied, steady, noble, and deeply respected. IOL News
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
New Orlando Pirates winger: 'I can attack and I can defend'
Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates are set to announce Tshepang Moremi sooner rather than later. The need for Moremi comes before the imminent exits of Orlando Pirates wingers like Gilberto and Katlego Otladisa. The speedy winger recently spoke to the media after making his official international debut for Bafana Bafana. It was the 0-0 draw against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 June. Orlando Pirates lineup with the new signings 'I'd say that I am looking forward to keeping on improving. I aim to see myself playing in the Afcon and the Fifa World Cup, so I want to score goals and rack up assists,' Moremi said via Sowetan . The upcoming Orlando Pirates winger added: 'I can attack and I can defend, but I still have to work very hard, so I want to use these two upcoming games against Tanzania and Mozambique to showcase my capabilities.' Two PSL clubs in for Sundowns outcast Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
