SuperSport International have confirmed the sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd, ending three decades of club ownership — but the deal still awaits final approval from the PSL Executive Committee.
The broadcaster announced on 3 July that Siwelele FC had emerged as the successful bidder following a closed process. The new ownership group is led by Calvin Lee John, a close family member of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha explained that the sale aligns with the broadcaster’s renewed focus on their core business.
“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,” said Ramovha.
The transaction is expected to have wider implications for South African football. McKenzie has previously stated that he was working with a consortium to bring back Bloemfontein Celtic and restore top-flight football in the Free State.
The sale of SuperSport United — a club with three league titles and a proud youth development record — could pave the way for that dream to materialise.
“As Siwelele FC, we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing with a rich winning tradition in the PSL,” said John.
“SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an incredible 30-year platform that we wish to build upon, should we get the final vote of approval from the PSL Executive Committee.”
For now, all parties are withholding further comment until the league makes a final ruling.
If approved, the deal would mark one of the most significant ownership changes in PSL history and potentially see the return of professional football to Bloemfontein under the iconic Siwelele name.
