Chris Theko
Majantja is close to realizing their long-awaited dream of a return to top-flight football after securing a move to the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) by buying the status of Kick4Life.
According to a source privy to the developments, talks between the two sides have been concluded and money amounting to about M160 000 has already been paid to Kick4Life.
“The clubs have reached an agreement so it is basically a done deal, Majantja is returning to the premier league next season.
“After two weeks of talks between the two clubs, an amount of M160 000 was paid to Kick4Life by Majantja and at the moment, the deal is awaiting the approval of PLMC and LeFA,†said the source.
The Mohale’s Hoek-based side was relegated from the premier league at the end of the 2018/19 season and has been playing in the A-Division for the past three seasons.
It has not been easy for the team that has been trying to find their way back to the country’s elite league as they finished in 5th position in the recently concluded 2021/22 season.
Approached for a comment, Majantja Communications and Marketing Manager Lehlohonolo Moeketse, did not deny the reports saying the club’s management is currently waiting for communication from Kick4KLife.
“I cannot comment on the matter of money exchanging hands at the moment but what I can say is that as Majantja, we are still waiting for a response from Kick4Life after our proposal to buy,†Moeketse said.
Moeketse mentioned that during their submission, Kick4Life management made them aware that Majantja was not the only club that had shown interest to buy.
“They had made us aware that we are not the only interested buyers so they will let us know once a decision has been made, however, we are hoping it will be us who win the bid,†he said.
The news of Kick4Life selling their premier league status was announced early in May and soon after Majantja was reported to already be in talks with Kick4Life. Despite both clubs denying the reports at first, it was to be revealed later that discussions are indeed taking place between the two parties.
It has been over a month now since the negotiations started between the two parties with none of them revealing much on the developments. Moeketse said the longevity of the negotiations is stressing them up because they have to start with preparations for the upcoming season.
“We are aware that the new season will be starting soon in both the premier league and the A-Division so we are already stressing due to the limited time but we are patient with the process.
“Knowing the verdict soon will give us time to prepare for either life in the premier league or life in the A-Division and hopefully by next week we will know for sure which one it is for us,†he said.
For his part, the Kick4Life Communications and Marketing Manager, Reitumetse Tlopo, was reluctant to comment on the matter saying the process of vetting the bids from potential buyers is still ongoing.
“Negotiations are still on-going and the vetting process will soon take place so there is not much I can say at this point,†Tlopo said.
