Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has confirmed that purchasing a top flight status is firmly on the table as he looks for the quickest route back to the Betway Premiership.
Read: Time To Move On? Four Chiefs Stars Who May Need A Fresh Start
Speaking on MSW, Comitis revealed his club’s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship has put him at risk of losing key sponsorships, notably from banking giants FNB, and that returning to the PSL as soon as possible is now critical.
“Well, you know, that’s always an option because the PSL has allowed an entry and a window of opportunity for clubs to do that,” Comitis explained.
“At the end of the day, for me, it’s about providing a service for football players that can get them to the highest level. I’ve been doing it for 27 years, and it’s important that we have the right platform to be able to do that.”
Comitis highlighted the value his club has created for players, especially the 15 youth internationals currently in City’s academy.
“They don’t want to be playing for an NFD club in their future; they want to be at a PSL club, and quite rightly so. We’ve created a lot of value in these players for themselves and the club. At the end of the day, we run a business—there’s no denying that—but it’s a mutually beneficial business when everyone wins from successful player development.”
He pointed out the financial and exposure challenges of competing outside the PSL.
“There’s a certain amount of funding and exposure you have at the PSL level, which you need to create value for your players and your club. All these things don’t exist in the NFD, so for me it’s critical that we get back into the PSL, and the shortest route is obviously the best route.”
Comitis was frank about the sponsorship risks: “I don’t think we would be able to carry any sponsorship in the NFD, and quite rightly so—there’s no exposure there. It’s a long, hard road.”
He also revealed City have wasted no time in preparing for next season, whether they secure a PSL spot or not.
“We’re working around the clock to see what the possibilities are. We’ve already got our new coach who’s arrived in the country for next season, either way.”
Read: The 10 Chiefs Stars Who Carried Nabi’s Season
