Three-time South African league champions SuperSport United have been officially sold to Siwelele Football Club, pending final approval from the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha made the following statement regarding the matter:
“SuperSport International would like to confirm the sale of its Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, SuperSport United, to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd.”
“Following a closed bidding process, Siwelele F.C was awarded the rights to purchase the three-time league champions. The sale is subject to the approval of the PSL Executive Committee.”
“The sale of the club comes as SuperSport makes strategic shifts to allow us to remain the biggest broadcaster in Africa and a leading global competitor.”
“Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated focused direction to allow SuperSport to remain the best sports content provider on the continent and a leader in broadcast innovation,’”
The PSL is expected to approve the deal in the near future. While the exact details have not yet been officially disclosed, reports suggest that the club was sold for R50 million and will be renamed Siwelele FC starting from next season.
The sale and renaming of such a historically significant club is seen by many as a disappointing development for South African football.