Gayton McKenzie refutes claims of involvement in son's SuperSport United investment

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said his department neither provided financial assistance nor facilitated the acquisition of the reported multimillion-rand investment by his son Calvyn Le’John in the now rebranded Siwelele Football Club.

- MAYIBONGWE MAGHINA

McKenzie also said he did not use his political influence in the acquisition of SuperSport United, which will now be operating under a new name and relocated to Bloemfontein.

LeJohn and his firm were recently announced as the new owners of SuperSport United - renaming the club and relocating it to Bloemfontein.

Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MPs Eugene Mthethwa and Mandla Shikwambana, McKenzie said “no” when asked if the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and entities provided funding, logistical support, and regulatory facilitation to the club or Le’John in connection with the purchase and club’s establishment.

“DSAC has played no role whatsoever,’ he said when asked about the role his department played in facilitating the reported R400 million investments in the football club.

However, McKenzie said he was aware of his son’s plans to acquire a Premier League team and rebrand it in the style of Bloem Celtic or Siwelele.