With the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) season just a few weeks away from kickoff, newly promoted Members Football Club (FC) are racing against time to secure crucial sponsorship to boost their competitiveness in the elite league.
The Mazenod-based outfit is therefore making a public appeal to prospective sponsors to come forward to fund its dream of not just adding numbers in the top flight, but to make it count.
Currently bankrolled by Ramela and Associates, the club has managed to stay afloat logistically. However, Members’ president Lekhooa Tšolo said the support is no longer sufficient to sustain the heightened demands that come with Premier League football.
“We are grateful for our sponsor who has stood by us since our days in the A Division,” Tšolo told Newsday Sports.
“With the current sponsorship, we are able to facilitate the club’s logistics and a few administrative duties. But entering the Premier League brings a new level of financial expectation, especially regarding salaries and player welfare.”
Tšolo made an urgent call for more sponsors, stressing that enhanced financial backing is essential if the club is to remain competitive and meet the standards of the top flight.
“If we can get more sponsors, we would be able to cover more expenses, especially now that we are engaging in the elite league,” he added.
The plea for support comes as the club begins assembling its squad, with a recruitment strategy focused on nurturing emerging talent over acquiring established stars.
Already, Members have brought in Relebohile Tlabaki from Lioli FC and Molefe Moiketsi from Majantja FC, both on one-year loan deals. Tšolo also revealed they are negotiating with two other VPL clubs for additional developmental players.
“I want to develop the players as a whole because most times, developed players have an attitude towards developing players.”
Yet, without increased financial investment, such long-term development goals may be undermined. From player salaries and equipment to medical care and travel, the costs of Premier League participation are significantly higher, and Members’ current budget is stretched thin.
Adding to their worries is uncertainty around their home venue. The Swallows Ground in Mazenod is under review by the Premier League’s licensing committee, and if it fails inspection, the club will be forced to relocate to the Morija Ground, an additional logistical and financial burden.
Fellow newcomers Maroala FC make transfer statement
While Members seek funding, fellow VPL debutants Maroala FC have made waves with a high-profile transfer campaign. They recently secured the services of former Manonyane FC goalkeeper Utloanang Leoma (on loan from Lijabatho FC), midfield duo Koenehelo “Copper” Mothala and Siyabonga Mkhize, both ex-Linare FC players, and are expected to add two Ghanaian imports soon.
Maroala, who also reached the Top 8 Cup final in May (losing to Members FC), have already enjoyed national exposure and prize money, a possible head start in their financial and competitive preparation.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
