Polokwane Municipality explain why they are offering Kaizer Chiefs R16 million deal amid concerns from Limpopo PSL clubs - They 'have a huge following'

Polokwane Municipality’s Sports and Recreation Manager Mantlako Sebaka has defended the authority's move to lease Peter Mokaba Stadium to Premier Soccer League heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs.  

It is understood that Amakhosi and the municipality have entered into an R16 million deal that will see the Soweto titans bring six matches over the next two seasons to the 45,000-capacity stadium in Polokwane.   

According to reports, this deal has caused jitters among the traditional top-flight clubs domiciled in the region; however, the Polokwane authority believes the Chiefs deal will bring a positive impact.  

“Apart from the six matches over two seasons as representative of Limpopo in the Premier League (PSL), we will still bring Chiefs here to honour their three away league matches," Sebaka told Sunday World. 

“As the Polokwane municipality, we regard sports tourism as one of the pillars of growth. And as we all know, that Chiefs have a huge following. Bringing them here in Polokwane is in line with what we want to achieve," he added. 

The municipal official added that their ambition is also to bring cup finals involving big clubs to the region, as well as Bafana Bafana games.

“To the municipality, the three active stadiums are great facilities. Both the new and old Peter Mokaba and the newly revamped Seshego stadiums. But if they are not utilised wisely to benefit the municipality and communities, business people and hotels, which are closer to these facilities, will remain useless white elephants," he continued.

“It is for this reason we go all out to sell the ideas of bringing home big games to the province. And moreover, our hand remains raised high in terms of bringing some of the Premier Division’s cup final matches into the province. Or even for Bafana Bafana’s big matches."   

Limpopo Province has three teams in the top flight: Magesi FC, Polokwane City, and Sekhukhune United. 

Before they wound up, SuperSport United, which sold its PSL status to Siwelele FC, and Bidvest Wits used the 2010 World Cup facility as their home ground.  

The stadium has also been used by neighbouring countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe to host their international matches. 

Despite the murmurs and silent opposition from rival clubs, the municipality and Chiefs are expected to implement their multi-million rand deal. 

Last season's deal saw the Glamour Boys play three home games in Polokwane, and the new deal will see Amakhosi play six of their matches in the province over two seasons.