Siwelele FC have acquired shares in the Cheetahs as part of an effort to strengthen sport in the Free State, with club chairman Calvin Le John saying the football side could not stand by while the rugby team struggled.
The investment makes Siwelele an official partner of the Free State rugby outfit, which was once regarded as one of the most respected teams in South African rugby.
The Cheetahs’ financial difficulties have affected their standing, and they now compete only in the Currie Cup and the European Challenge Cup.
Le John, the eldest son of Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, said the decision was driven by the historic relationship between the two teams and their shared identity in the province.
“We have bought shares in the Free State Cheetahs because we cannot watch them suffer when we’re here,” said Le John, as reported by FARPost.
“Historically, Siwelele FC and the Cheetahs have had that unifying bond because we are teams of the Free State.
“So, we’ve decided as Siwelele that we are going to make things official. The Cheetahs and Siwelele are one.
“They have allowed us to buy shares in the team and for that we are thankful. We are going to make a meaningful impact in this partnership of ours.”
The agreement is intended to provide more than financial backing, with Siwelele also hoping to help the Cheetahs strengthen their connection with supporters across the Free State.
Le John said the rugby side should not be restricted to playing its home matches at Toyota Stadium and expressed a desire to see them appear in other parts of the province.
“I’d like to make a commitment as well to the people of the Free State. We will try, and they are receptive to it, that they not only play in Toyota Stadium anymore. They, too, must play in Bethlehem and Dr Molemela Stadium. The Cheetahs belong to all of us.”
The Cheetahs’ current participation in the Currie Cup and European Challenge Cup comes after the team’s financial problems limited its position in South African and international rugby.
Siwelele’s move therefore represents an attempt to help revive the rugby club while reinforcing the sporting links between two teams based in the Free State.
Le John said the partnership would allow the football club to contribute to the Cheetahs’ future and make a meaningful difference to the wider sporting community in the province.
