Gayton McKenzie’s son Calvin Le John has revealed how he raised R50 million to purchase soccer club Siwelele FC, previous SuperSport United last month.
The businessman is the firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture who has taken over the family businesses.
Le John – who uses his mother’s maiden name – is hoping his new club fills the void left behind by Bloemfontein Celtics, which later became Royal AM.
HOW DID GAYTON MCKENZIE’S SON BUY SIWELELE FC?
Speaking in his first interview, Calvin Le John answered burning questions about acquiring the “new” PSL club, Siwelele FC.
One of them was how he managed to raise R50 million to buy the club. Another was how and when the business transaction occurred.
Gayton McKenzie’s son revealed that the sale took place via an auction, and he bid R50 million for the club, which was ultimately accepted.
“I don’t have 50 million lying around. I sold some properties to fund the project”, Le
He added that he sold shares to the family’s diamond mine to a consortium to the sum of a whopping R90 million.
Calvin Le John also shot down rumours the money was raised through corrupt tenders or via Gayton McKenzie’s right-hand man, Kenny Kunene.
He continued: “I saw a rumour that I got a tender for R70 million, and that’s a blatant lie.”
“I don’t have any friends, associates, or family members who are doing any work in the city or the department of sports, for that matter. I don’t do tenders. I tried, but seeing people being arrested is scary.
“I’m in different businesses, but I don’t deal with the state”..
He added: “If anybody has information about me receiving R70 million, let them bring it out. I have nothing to hide”.
Le John added that SuperSport United required him to “prove” how he acquired the funds to purchase the club.
WHEN IS THEIR FIRST MATCH?
On Saturday, 9 August – which marks Women’s Day in South Africa – Siwelele will make their debut in the league with a Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows.
The club will play in their home turf in Bloemfontein at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung.
DO YOU BELIEVE GAYTON MCKENZIE HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE PURCHASE OF SIWELELE FC?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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