Siwelele FC chairman Calvyn Le’John has shed light on the dramatic steps taken to secure the status of SuperSport United, a move that’s shaking up the football landscape in the country. Speaking during an interview on Marawa Sport Worldwide, Le’John revealed that the acquisition happened via an open auction process, and it wasn’t the first time he had tried his luck.
“We took part in the Royal AM auctions about eight or nine months ago and lost out twice,” he said. “When the SuperSport United opportunity arose, we submitted our bid, and this time, we were successful.”
The deal not only stunned football fans but also led to the revelation that Le’John is the son of Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, although he operates under his mother’s surname. Due to his father’s political role, Le’John has stepped in as the face of the family’s business ventures, including the football club.
Big Sacrifices to Fund a Bold Vision
Le’John has been upfront about the financial strains that came with acquiring a top-flight team. “I didn’t have R50 million lying around,” he admitted. “We had to sell properties on the coast and in Sandton to raise the funds.”
To further finance the club’s operations, Le’John revealed he sold a portion of shares from a diamond mine consortium in the North West, bringing in a hefty R90 million. He emphasised that their primary business interest still lies in mining, despite now branching into football.
Siwelele FC: Shutting Down Government Allegations
Social media has been rife with speculation, including claims that Le’John benefitted from government tenders, a rumour he firmly denied. “I saw something on Twitter suggesting I got a R70 million tender. That’s simply false,” he said. “I don’t have any connections in the Department of Sports or with the municipality. I’ve never worked with the government and don’t do tenders.”
He added that although his father had previously spoken of a R400 million investment plan for sports facilities, the intention is to make the club self-reliant. “We are aiming for sustainability. The club has its own sponsors and remains financially sound. Of course, we’ll step in when needed, but this team must eventually stand on its own feet,” he explained.
The Celtic Debate: Name Too Expensive to Revive
With Siwelele FC being hailed as the spiritual revival of Bloemfontein Celtic, questions naturally arose around reclaiming the iconic name. However, Le’John revealed that buying back the name from businessman Eddie Modise was simply not feasible. “I couldn’t justify paying R5 million for just the name, which is about 10% of what we spent on the club. It just didn’t make sense.”
Paving a New Path for Bloemfontein Football
Despite the fresh branding, Siwelele FC is clearly drawing emotional ties from the Celtic faithful. With the team now based in Bloemfontein and plans underway to build modern facilities, the club’s new leadership seems determined to create a sustainable legacy rooted in local pride.
While many were sceptical about the deal and its links to a high-profile political figure, Le’John’s transparency and determination to run a financially sound, independent football club have begun to shift the narrative.
It’s not just about reviving a beloved name; it’s about carving out a bold new chapter in the country’s football history.
Related article: Gayton McKenzie’s Free State Football Dream Takes Shape as SuperSport United Deal Is Sealed
