CASH-STRAPPED Moroka Swallows are in serious financial trouble as they face getting booted from Dobsonville Stadium due to the management’s failure to pay the lease for the venue.
Swallows boss Leon Prins seems to have left the club in a disastrous financial situation after the club’s relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
The financial pit was so deep that players and coaches’ salaries were not paid for months on end.
Stadium Management South Africa confirmed to SunSport yesterday that the Dube Birds owe Dobsonville Stadium (Pty) Limited an outstanding amount of more than R1,6 million.
The Birds have been using the venue as their nest for many seasons, while campaigning in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and during the single season they spent in the National First Division (NFD).
Stadium management spokesman Sisa Majola said: “Moroka Swallows owe Dobsonville Stadium (Pty) Limited outstanding fees relating to the venue lease. On 6 October 2015, Dobsonville Stadium and the club entered into an acknowledgement of debt agreement relating to outstanding fees up to that date. All venue leases following the signature of the debt agreement were to be paid upfront by Swallows.”
Majola revealed that Swallows’ management had tried to settle the debt without success.
He confirmed: “Swallows are the debtor and the outstanding amount is over R1,6m.”
Majola emphasised that Swallows would be able to continue using the venue if they settled their debt: “Dobsonville Stadium is still regarded as their home ground. The club must act within the obligations imposed by the settlement of debt agreement and pay upfront for any future lease (approximately R6 011,07 per NFD fixture), in which case their status as tenant will not change.”
Indications are, however, that Swallows may have to play their ABC Motsepe League matches in the football wilderness, as other PSL clubs have shown interest in utilising the venue, SunSport has learnt.
“Yes, there are clubs who have shown an interest on the venue, but I cannot divulge their names now,” Majola said.
