Teen duo relieved to be back home in CT after football tour group left stranded in Portugal
The academy failed to book return flights despite participants paying R50,000 each for the trip.
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The South African
a day ago
- The South African
HOW did Gayton's son raise R50m to buy soccer club?
Gayton McKenzie's son Calvin Le John has revealed how he raised R50 million to purchase soccer club Siwelele FC, previous SuperSport United last month. The businessman is the firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture who has taken over the family businesses. Le John – who uses his mother's maiden name – is hoping his new club fills the void left behind by Bloemfontein Celtics, which later became Royal AM. Speaking in his first interview, Calvin Le John answered burning questions about acquiring the 'new' PSL club, Siwelele FC. One of them was how he managed to raise R50 million to buy the club. Another was how and when the business transaction occurred. Gayton McKenzie's son revealed that the sale took place via an auction, and he bid R50 million for the club, which was ultimately accepted. 'I don't have 50 million lying around. I sold some properties to fund the project', Le He added that he sold shares to the family's diamond mine to a consortium to the sum of a whopping R90 million. Calvin Le John also shot down rumours the money was raised through corrupt tenders or via Gayton McKenzie's right-hand man, Kenny Kunene. He continued: 'I saw a rumour that I got a tender for R70 million, and that's a blatant lie.' 'I don't have any friends, associates, or family members who are doing any work in the city or the department of sports, for that matter. I don't do tenders. I tried, but seeing people being arrested is scary. 'I'm in different businesses, but I don't deal with the state'.. He added: 'If anybody has information about me receiving R70 million, let them bring it out. I have nothing to hide'. Le John added that SuperSport United required him to 'prove' how he acquired the funds to purchase the club. On Saturday, 9 August – which marks Women's Day in South Africa – Siwelele will make their debut in the league with a Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows. The club will play in their home turf in Bloemfontein at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung. 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.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
'I haven't been happy in the national team': Seoposenwe opens up about Banyana Banyana exit
Former Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe has opened up about her decision to leave the national team. Seoposenwe announced her retirement from international soccer after the Women's Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco. In an interview with Marawa Sports Worldwide, Seoposenwe said while the decision to leave was not easy, it was necessary, citing her unhappiness in the team. 'It's been a journey for me in the national team,' she said. 'Football has given me everything, and it's tough for me to walk away from the national team. After 15 years and the ability that I still have as one of the best players in the country, it's tough. It's tough to walk away from my teammates, the people of South Africa and how they supported me. It's tough to make that decision, but I feel like it's something I had to do. 'I haven't been happy in the national team for a long time but obviously continuing to push through those emotions and those feelings has been tough.' She said the South African Football Association (Safa), the coaching and culture were the reasons for her unhappiness in the team, adding there were disputes when it came to negotiating prize monies for tournaments. 'It's definitely the association and treatment of us in many instances. I think I tried to wrap my head around it but it's difficult as a player, especially being overseas and in an environment where our directors and the club try to make everything as equal as possible. 'Every time we go to a major tournament, we have to fight about money and basically everything. Why do we have to fight? Why can't you plan out for the year? Fifa gives you a calendar of what we are going to do, why can't you budget for those Fifa dates? Why is it so impossible for you to do well by us?' She revealed that the squad received R15,000 bonuses for winning a match against a side not ranked in the top 20, while also getting daily allowances. She added the squad did not receive other necessities like dietitians and proper facilities. 'When you are treated the way you need to be treated, then come back to an environment that you aren't treated the way you want to be treated, it becomes difficult for you to do your job to your best of your abilities.' The 31-year-old was part of the squad that won the Wafcon tournament in 2022, gaining entry to the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia where they were knocked out in the round of 16. She now plays for Mexican Liga MX Femenil club Monterrey. 'If you're happy in a certain environment, that's how I feel in Mexico with Rayados. I'm happy, vibrant, just a completely different person and then coming back to the national team ... seeing myself it's crazy to me sometimes, just to sit down with myself and know the difference in how I feel with my team in Mexico while I'm in the national team is not who I am.' Seoposenwe said she was not appreciated enough in the national team. 'I know what I can bring to the national team, I know what I mean to my teammates and the people of South Africa. I just felt like out of respect for everyone involved, within the national team and people of South Africa, and just the performances that I have given since I've got back, it's just not up to my standard. If I'm going to be this person, then what's the use?'
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Sundowns star earns R500 000 before leaving?
Following a stellar season in Mamelodi Sundowns colours, Ribeiro walked away with four major individual awards, including the coveted Footballer of the Season title. During the season, Ribeiro scored 21 goals and contributed 14 assists across all competitions. In the league, he finished with 16 goals in 26 appearances, earning the Sundowns star the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot as the top scorer in the Betway Premiership. Thanks to his superb performances, Ribeiro earned a total of R550,000 in prize money from the PSL Awards. Let's take a closer look at his awards and prize money breakdown. MTN8: Orlando Pirates make important announcement Footballer of the Season – R250,000 Players' Player of the Season – R200,000…Full story here. MTN8: SABC to show Orlando Pirates match Mamelodi Sundowns have not sold their top player since Percy Tau to Brighton and Hove Albion in July 2018. Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Lucas Ribeiro celebrates a goal against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Image: Goal After a staggering 21 goals and 14 assists for Lucas Ribeiro last season, including the winning Goal of the tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup, Ribeiro is a wanted man. According to the newest reports, the 26-year-old Brazilian has left Sundowns' preseason camp in Rustenburg to prepare for his departure… Full story here. 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.
