The South African top flight football scene continues to witness clubs grappling with financial instability, leading to the sale of historic teams.
The latest club reported to be on the market is Moroka Swallows, known for its rich history and passionate fanbase. The club has reportedly struggled with the high costs of sustaining operations in the top flight, including meeting the salary demands of staff and players.
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This trend is not new in South African football. In recent years, notable clubs such as Bidvest Wits and Bloemfontein Celtic have also sold their status. Bidvest Wits, nearing its 100th anniversary, sold its status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Similarly, Bloemfontein Celtic, with a vociferous support base, was acquired by Royal AM. Other clubs like Mpumalanga Black Aces and Highlands Park have followed suit after just a few seasons in the top flight, primarily due to the unsustainable running costs associated with elite-level football. Panyaza Lesufi, the Life-time President of Moroka Swallows, who played a crucial role in the club's revival after successive relegations from the top flight and second tier between almost a decade ago, expressed his disappointment and sadness over the current situation.
In an interview with Sports Night Amplified with Andile, Lesufi highlighted the inevitability of the sale due to financial constraints.
"I'm sad and disappointed that we are where we are, but unfortunately these are things that are outside of our control and things that neither myself nor Mr (David) Mogashoa could do anything about," Lesufi told Sports Night Amplified with Andile.
"I think that the route suggested now is inevitable or else the club will be expelled by the PSL or liquidated or FIFA debts would have taken it down."
Lesufi also emphasized the efforts made by the club's chairman, David Mogashoa, to mitigate the financial issues.
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"I agree that communication should have been better, that said we cannot say Mr Mogashoa didn't try his best he really did.
"But the history of the club (the debts) played a big role. The people that have tried like myself to rescue the team have lost a lot of resources. The pain is unbearable for all of us because we love the team and I can say that Mr Mogashoa has really tried his best," added the current premier of the Gauteng province.
According to various media reports, Moroka Swallows have agreed in principle to a deal with second-tier outfit Marumo Gallants FC for the sale of the club, pending approval from the league.
