Thanda Royal Zulu Football Club has been sold to AmaZulu

DEBT-LADEN Thanda Royal Zulu Football Club has been sold to AmaZulu.

But while Amabhubesi Chairman Pierre Delvaux firmly believes he has secured the best possible deal for disappointed local fans, the decision is being lambasted from all quarters – including the uMhlathuze City and King Cetshwayo District mayors.

Under the sale agreement, AmaZulu will purchase Thanda’s Absa Premiership place on condition they play half of the ‘top eight’ home fixtures and cup games at the uMhlathuze Stadium.

They would also transfer their NFD status to a yet-to-be-named club based in Richards Bay – effectively giving local fans the opportunity to watch both PSL and NFD soccer in the coming season.

King Cetshwayo District Mayor Nonhle Mkhulisi expressed her ‘strong sense of disappointment’ at the reported sale.

‘The municipality rallied to rescue the club at a time when it was facing closure and has invested millions of rands to keep the club afloat.

‘While we concede that the municipality cannot contribute fully towards the running costs of the club, we have committed ourselves to lobby corporate and government sector investors.’

City Mayor Mdu Mhlongo was far harsher in his criticism.

At Wednesday’s Exco sitting he said:

‘We were not sold this when we entered into a three-year service level agreement with the club.

‘We have committed to the deal. Our budget today makes provision for R40-million worth of stadium upgrades and R5-million per year as financial support,’ said Mhlongo.

‘The City of uMhlathuze will fight with all it can within its powers to stop the transaction and ensure that Thanda Royal Zulu remains the pride of the people of the northern part of KZN.’

Read the full story in ZO Weekender!