South African second tier club buys rival and its place in Premier Soccer League

By Andrew Warshaw

July 13 – South African football has been plunged into controversy after the country’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) allowed a Durban-based club to buy their way into the top flight.

Having finished fifth in their division to miss out on promotion, AmaZulu FC purchased National First Division champions Thanda Royal Zulu FC and now plan to move Thanda 100 miles to their own ground and take their place in the Premiership.

It is the second time that AmaZula, who have been relegated four times from the Premiership, have financed their way back up though there is a precedent in South African football.

Last year, Cape Town City took over the franchise of Mpumalanga Black Aces in the sixth such transaction since the formation of the PSL in 1996.

Ironically, Thanda themselves operated the same way in 2006 when they bought the franchise of Premier United.

“We are not against the sale of franchises,”  said South African FA boss Danny Jordaan. “Sometimes owners cannot afford the costs associated with running a PSL club. What we do object to is the relocation of clubs in the process.”

The latest sale has caused a huge backlash among fans and the general footballing public who believe the integrity of the game has been compromised. Thanda’s fans and the local municipality reportedly spent just over $1 million to improve the floodlights at the local stadium.

Jordaan says he will be meeting PSL officials to discuss the matter. “We are going to have a joint-liaison meeting soon with the PSL where these issues will be discussed‚” Jordaan told the BBC.

“It’s a fact that buying and selling of franchises in today’s economic times is part of the global game – you only need to look at clubs like Paris St-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and many others around the world who have changed ownership and shareholding.”

“However, it’s important to note they have not relocated or changed their names. We run the risk of having all our top-flight clubs being concentrated in one area – Gauteng already has six clubs in the 16-team PSL – rather than spreading the teams to all parts of the country.”

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