Potential sale of SuperSport United would be another sad day for PSL

Rumoured sale of the Premiership's mainstay throws a big shadow over local soccer.

- By Yanga Sibembe

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 from a financial perspective. 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 (the majority of the soccer sides do not own stadiums), ensuring ample security during home games and covering 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 to tap into 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.