The decision by Marumo Gallants to ditch the Peter Mokaba Stadium for Royal Bafokeng will not go unchallenged, according to Polokwane Municipality.
Gallants are moving their PSL matches to their second alternative venue of Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg. This includes the much-anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 28 January.
The municipality, which has given the club the use of their Peter Makaba facility for free, have always argued that they need big fixtures to be hosted at Limpopo’s capital for issues of revenue.
“Of course, as the Mayor, I would not have a big match like against Orlando Pirates to leave the city. I represent people who love sports and among them soccer loving people who want to see big games coming to Polokwane.
“It would not only be a loss on our side but also a loss on their side in terms of building a loyal support base in Polokwane. As you know the team has its roots in Polokwane.
ARE MARUMO GALLANTS BEING UNGRATEFUL?
“When you play small clubs, we incur costs. The day we are supposed to make something that will cover our costs, you take the game somewhere else. It is something that we will definitely not be willing to accept. We must think about the people of Polokwane and the loss of income on their side.
“Anything that disappoints our residents will also disappoint us as the leadership. There is anticipation from our people. Those who are hawkers are buying stock, and the taxi association starts preparing themselves to carry people from various destinations. So, when they get disappointed, we also get disappointed.”
MORE OPTIONS ON THE TABLE FOR PETER MOKABA STADIUM
The Municipality have also revealed that there have been informal talks with SuperSport United over the possibility of them taking over from Marumo.
“SuperSport started the discussions when they heard that another club is leaving. They want to take over because they know we are great hosts. We have one of the best facilities in the country with great hotels. Also, for the clubs to expect that they will be the only ones (to use the facility). It’s like in Moses Mabhida if you go to Moses Mabhida how many clubs play there? We also want to be the destination of choice. Let’s take sports tourism as an important contributor to the economy.”
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