Limpopo Tourism Agency [LTA] board chairperson Freddy Greaver has reassured Limpopo Betway Premiership teams of their commitment to continue supporting them financially.
The province currently has Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City FC participating in South African top-flight football. The number was reduced to two following the relegation of Magesi FC to the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
Previously, Limpopo clubs have expressed displeasure over what they say is lack of support from the government in the province. This also came after the confirmation that the Polokwane Municipality had also entered into a lucrative partnership with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and was neglecting local teams.
HOW MUCH DO LIMPOPO BETWAY PREMIERSHIP RECEIVE FROM TOURISM AGENCY?
Currently, both Sekhukhune and Polokwane receive R1 million each season as part of the partnership with LTA. However, Greaver says he had attempted to have a meeting with the teams to listen to their concerns.
“In terms of the PSL teams, we understand our contribution is minimal,” said Greaver, who was speaking at the launch of the Limpopo Golf Challenge at the Ranch Resort outside Polokwane most recently.
“Firstly, those teams are professional businesses, and we understand that they have time to find a way to survive and retain their status. But as a province and an entity, we do understand the challenges that they face, and we want to be there to support them. That’s why we have a minimal contribution that we always try to make.
“I had set aside time where I had invited the two chairmen [of Sekhukhune and PLK City] and their executives for a meeting. Unfortunately, it was cancelled at the eleventh hour, not by myself. I think something came up from their side because, as you know, they are also very busy,” he added.
FREDDY GREAVER WANTS OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN IN AND HELP LOCAL TEAMS
Greaver also added that he engaged with the Polokwane Municipality to see how they can assist local teams in the Limpopo province.
“As much as I tried to sit down with them[Sekhukhune and PLK City] to understand their challenges, and beyond just giving them money, little money as we are giving, how else can we support them and forge a relationship and partnership that is really meaningful. That was the conversation I wanted to have with them. Unfortunately, that meeting didn’t take place. But we remain committed, and I think we will compare diaries again and find time to meet with them.”
“I have also informally spoken to the executive mayor of Polokwane [John Mpe] about the same matter, to say how we collaborate and pull together, so that between the City of Polokwane and ourselves, we can find a way to pull our resources together and jointly give those PSL teams the best support to survive because we need them.”
RELATED STORY: Why the New Peter Mokaba Stadium has been unavailable for PSL matches
