TO say that Thanda Royal Zulu FC Chairman, Pierre Delvaux is disappointed with corporate response to the financial predicament of the side aiming for PSL promotion, would be the under-statement of the year.
The reality that the cash-strapped club might have to sell the franchise and relocate elsewhere due to a lack of local sponsorship, appears not to have been taken seriously.
Either that, or the potential gain or loss to the community – depending on whether they go or stay, seems to have been lost on decision-makers who control budgets.
While unofficial word is that the uThungulu District and City of uMhlathuze municipalities will be offering some relief, the club continues to run on promises and disappointments, and is slipping further and further towards having to make the decision to leave town.
That they have achieved outstanding results on the field despite the uncertainty, is testament to the determination of the playing staff and to astute management.
In the space of one week, Ambhubesi have beaten the two top sides in the National First Division and are themselves well on course to most likely attain promotion at the end of the season.
Offers
But they may well be doing it from another city, as substantial offers for the valued franchise have been received from wealthy football loving businessman from two other provinces.
Thanda do not want to move and will do everything in their power to stay put – but it is sponsorship money that talks in the costly world of professional football.
It’s a business that has all the overheads of any other company, and more because it operates on hope and emotion, passion and spirit, and if the bills are not paid and flights and accommodation cannot be funded, the business is unable to operate.
‘Soccer is more than a sport. It is a social cohesive factor.
‘It is an aspiring future for talented youth – and we have nurtured many of them in Zululand who are now populating PSL clubs,’ said Delvaux.
‘Thanda is in the business of making the dreams of previously disadvantaged young kids, come true.
‘These are the employees of the corporates, and their children.
‘It is difficult to understand why so much CSI donation can be given to other worthy causes but the value of the region’s vital football and community asset does not get support?
‘This is with the exception of Bell Equipment who have been incredible in terms of sponsorship over the past four years, but they need other corporates to share the load.
‘And at the risk of being repetitive, the business and tourism benefits to the city and the entire region are massive.
‘The return on the investment is significant, from local youth development, to the marketing of the City, to assisting the unemployed, to family entertainment value, not to mention the screening of matches on SuperSport ensures that the branding of sponsors gets terrific prime time exposure.
‘While I feel tremendously let down, I have not given up and appeal to local corporates that an investment in the club will not only be very worthwhile, but will pay handsome dividends and give them a very attractive return.’
