Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza has explained that Moroka Swallows did not follow the rule book when they were acquiring their sponsorship that was turned down by the league bosses.
Former Swallows chairman David Mogashoa was at one point up in arms and said the league had blocked his club from getting a lucrative with deal with Telkom. It was cited that Telkom would be in a conflict of interest as the league already a had telecommunication company, MTN, as cup sponsors
Khoza explained at Wednesday’s press conference where the PSL announced Betway as the new title sponsors of the league.
Failed to comply with industry rules
“I cannot talk about my teams. Teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC, Golden Arrows, Pirates who are sponsored by betting companies. Football is an industry of rules, and you must follow and comply with the rules. The Sportspesa issue was an unfortunate experience because there was a moratorium on everybody. And they decided to go against the rules – that is history,” said Khoza.
“I had several meetings with Hollywoodbets. And I had meetings with sponsors who wanted to sponsor Swallows. We do not chase away anybody. Swallows boss David Mogashoa wrote a letter of apology to the media and told the truth – that they did not comply. We do not frown on anybody, we do things the right ways and the truth remains the truth.
“As chairman of the league, it is the responsibility of the league to get sponsors. The monthly grant is not an obligation or a must have, because it is not in the rules. We give the money as and when it is available. That’s why it was important to create a grant for the teams. I am at peace as the chairman,” added Khoza.
League fixtures
Khoza explained further that the league fixtures will start on August 3.
“There are things we do in the PSL regarding the calendar. We make sure we get dates given to us in terms of the Fifa international calendar. And we make sure those dates are reserved. Also, we have Caf competitions, and they play a role in us drawing fixtures.
“We are not sure when Afcon is taking place. [But] we need to accommodate that and other competitions in the league. There are a lot of uncertainties that create a problem. Dates are very important,” he said.
“Last season was abnormal. There was Afcon, and Bafana Bafana won bronze medal. And we switched about eight dates to accommodate them. As we speak, Mamelodi Sundowns played 58 games the whole season. Pirates played 45 games, and it’s a killer because the issue of recovery is a problem. But we have managed because of our partners,” Khoza added.
