Former PSL CEO Andrew Dipela weighs in on Marumo Gallants debacle
Former PSL CEO and current board chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) Andrew Dipela has commented on the situation regarding Marumo Gallants relocation to North West.
According to a Limpopo government policy, LTA are mandated to at least contribute R1 million a season to DStv Premiership clubs based in the province.
The law was passed by the Limpopo Legislature as a way of supporting sports tourism in the province. But this only applies to teams that play their home matches in the province.
This is an exception to Kaizer Chiefs, who recently reached an agreement with the Polokwane municipality to host matches at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
ANDRE DIPELA ON POLICY TO SUPPORT LOCAL TEAMS
Gallants have since moved the games to the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
“Well, that’s Marumo Gallants choice (to move base),” Dipela told the media. “Our policy is very clear, we are going to support any team that is in the DStv Premiership. As long as they host their games in the province of Limpopo.
“This is not about football, it’s about the fact that the teams in the DStv Premiership have an opportunity of the digital platform that are able to be utilised to reach their spectators so that they can be able to visit the province,”
NO MONEY PAID SO FAR TO PSL TEAMS, INCLUDING MARUMO GALLANTS
“As we are speaking now, we have not yet given anybody any money. There have been discussions and the matters have not been concluded but our policy is very clear,” he explained.
“We only support teams from Limpopo that are in the DStv premiership that host their matches in Limpopo. We know of the economic benefits that happens when those matches are staged here.
Teams that have received support from the LTA before include Black Leopards and Baroka while they are still in the elite league.
“The issue of sports tourism and other different platforms are there to be utilised. We call people to come to Limpopo because there are different offerings that this beautiful province can offer.
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