Super Sport funding helps keep players in SA
A RENEWED commitment to excellence and a nod to the past were the main themes as the Premier Soccer League and Super Sport celebrated their 10-year partnership at a gala function in Joburg on Saturday night.
This was to mark the successful collaboration between the two, a partnership that has changed the tapestry of South African soccer.
The great and the good of the soccer, entertainment and political world were in attendance, among them Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza, former PSL bosses Trevor Phillips and Kjetil Siem, football club owners, players, sponsors, socialites and actors.
“I can’t help but be both humbled and excited by what the past 10 years have delivered, not least in the part we played in giving South African soccer the respect and prominence it deserves,” said Imtiaz Patel, chief executive officer of Super Sport.
Acknowledging the fruits of a productive partnership, Khoza said that Super Sport had always understood the value of its investment and had, in turn, helped the PSL thrive.
“The relationship was a defining moment for the industry in this country. It’s been far more than a mere investment in the PSL. Development has benefited, too, with club academies producing top players.
“I commend Super Sport for their courage, for being so civic-minded, for understanding they had the inner spirit to help bring out the best of the immense talent available in our country.”
The PSL is one of the world’s most vibrant leagues, having jumped from a ranking of 30th to the top 10 in terms of revenue.
The League generates more money than ever and players’ wages have shot up with rafts of players opting to stay at home rather than play overseas.
Both Khoza and Patel spoke optimistically of reaching new frontiers in the coming decade with the PSL and Super Sport building on powerful foundations. – ANA