The Polokwane Municipality is demanding answers over a decision by Marumo Gallants to take their DStv Premiership match against Kaizer Chiefs to Rustenburg.
According to a reliable source close to the situation, the senior officials at the Municipality summoned the club into a meeting on Thursday evening to seek clarity on the matter.
Gallants have a three-year legal agreement with the Municipality to host all their home Premier Soccer League matches at the World class Peter Mokaba Stadium for free. The two parties share the gate-takings generated from the matches.
The move to North West came as a shock to supporters, who had already started to purchase tickets for the match, and to the municipality themselves, who were seemingly not aware of the move.
“They have been engaging [Municipality and Marumo] to find common ground since last night. At the moment the is no finality on the matter, but the Municipality will not let go of this easily,” a mole told FARPost.
“The Municipality feel betrayed by the move as the Chiefs match is the one that generates money since they have been running a loss in all matches that Marumo plays for free.”
The club issued a statement this week announcing that they are moving the eagerly awaited match against Amakhosi scheduled for Sunday, 11 September, to the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace. The facility is under the Royal Bafokeng Nation.
“The North West province and the South African football fraternity, including Marumo Gallants’ nationally growing supporter base, are excited to have a much anticipated top flight game take centre stage in the province.
“Gallants boast players originally from the North West, as well as other players who formerly played for Platinum Stars football club,” Marumo said in a statement.
“We as Marumo Gallants are excited to connect with our supporter bases throughout the country, and we look forward to playing a captivating game against Kaizer Chiefs. We are ready to hit the ground running.”
FARPost failed in its attempt to solicit a comment from the office of the Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor, John Mpe, through the spokesperson Thipa Silala.
