DURBAN – The Premier Soccer League (PSL) have issued a lengthy explanations as to why it is against gambling sponsorship.
AmaZulu are still waiting on the PSL regarding their possible sponsorship from Suncoast Casino.
While Usuthu are awaiting a PSL decision, Cape Town City have offended the powers-that-be, as they are sponsored by SportPesa, with the league yet to rule on that matter.
PSL acting chief executive Mato Madlala explained why they are against gambling sponsorships.
“It is not only AmaZulu. I’ve been approached by a gambling company at Arrows. Maritzburg United have been also approached, so have Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
“This is more like in broadcasting. The teams don’t own the broadcasting rights like they do in Spain. The league owns the rights, so that we can share the earnings.
“That’s why our league is not easy to predict. Broadcasters always target Chiefs and Pirates matches, but the rights are owned by the league.
“We also wanted to have one company (gambling) sponsoring the league,” Madlala elaborated.
Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has insisted they will continue to display SportPesa branding on their jersey.
“We have investigated this issue. We even went to England. It is very complicated. We still have to rule on Cape Town City matter,” Madlala stated.
AmaZulu’s general manager Lunga Sokhela made it clear they are waiting on the PSL to rule on the Cape Town City matter.
“There was a moratorium that we can’t enter in to contracts with gambling entities. We’ve respected that, and we will wait and see what will happen to John Comitis’ case involving SportPesa.
“We are keeping a close eye on Cape Town City case. Why should we let go of a potential sponsor?
“It is something we need currently. They are keen and they still want to work with us,” Sokhela explained.
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