Sukazi addresses financial challenges in the Hollywoodbets League

Tim Sukazi, chairman of TS Galaxy, has addressed the financial difficulties faced by clubs in the Hollywoodbets Super League, emphasising the need for targeted support to sustain women’s football in the country.

Galaxy is one of four Betway Premiership teams with a representative in the top women’s league, TS Galaxy Queens, who are somewhat better off financially, although still facing significant hurdles.

Many community-based clubs are in a dire situation, often unable to pay salaries to players and staff or fulfil match commitments.

This financial strain contributes to their struggle to compete, leading to relegation.

Sukazi’s insights regarding the crisis were highlighted in edition 178 of iDiski Times by Lethabo Kganyago.

He noted that the funds necessary to operate a Super League club far exceed the monthly grant received, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in women’s football from potential sponsors. “

You cannot expect clubs to survive and manage to go to matches plus pay players’ salaries and many other things that are needed in preparation for matches with R90,000 a month,” Sukazi stated. “And who can you blame, probably no one. Obviously, we don’t know exactly how much SAFA gets from Hollywoodbets but we imagine that whatever they’re providing is in accordance with their levels of affordability. And if that’s the case, it’s a sad scenario.

“That’s why you need businesses to show confidence in women’s football because otherwise, we are going to kill it ourselves as a country, and that’s the biggest challenge. To run a Super League club you spend R500,000 a month but you get R90,000. So it’s a huge problem but then what can we do because we are for the cause.”

Sukazi has consistently encouraged other top-flight clubs to establish women’s teams, believing this would not only enhance the sport but also alleviate financial issues.

However, he acknowledges that financial constraints remain a significant barrier for many clubs.

“To be honest I think it’s about the ability of the club,” he remarked. “It is a cost factor. Clubs in all honesty, they also have their own challenges, of course. So, you can imagine if they overload with a women’s team. So, you know, it becomes a cost factor at all levels.

“Yes, I’ve called upon them but it’s not an easy thing to do in all honesty. Those who wish, they must be prepared.”

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