MAGOSI IN EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP
Despite their recent problems on and off the pitch, Mochudi Centre Chiefs remain one of the biggest teams in the land.
Desperate to address their crippling financial woes as they look to bring the glory days back to Kgatleng, the club has signed a two-year deal with Pay Your Stars (PYS).
The company, which specializes in ‘commercializing football’, will run Magosi’s commercial wing.
In July 2016, property tycoon, Seyed Jamali stopped financing Chiefs. In truth, the four-time Premier League champions have never been the same since.
Hit by mounting debts and high-profile struggles in paying their star-studded squad, Magosi’s Pula problems coincided with a dreadful drop in form, culminating in relegation from the elite league at the end of the 2018/19 season.
They remain stranded in the second tier of local football.
Whilst PYS cannot compete with Jamali’s financial might, the enterprise believe they can raise the revenue required to rejuvenate the side.
In an exclusive interview with Voice Sport this week, PYS Director, Othusitse Malabola explained plans are in motion to open a sports shop and wholesaler in the club’s name by the end of next month.
Proceeds from both ventures will go towards refilling Chief’s coffers.
“There are other means of making money in this game other than relying solely on gate takings. The sports shop will be selling the team’s merchandise while the wholesale will be selling general stuff.”
Malabola stressed the partnership with Chiefs has come at the perfect time considering the league was officially granted autonomy at the BFA congress earlier this month.
Highlighting the lack of professionalism that has hampered local teams in the past, the PYS founder said, “There has been no transparency in a lot of clubs – merchandise is sold in car boot hence they are struggling to sustain themselves!”
The 40-year-old former footballer further revealed he has secured a number of exciting corporate partnerships which should stand Chiefs in good stead for the future.
“We have also partnered with Orange Botswana to use their Orange Money service for our Membership Drive. Supporters will be able to subscribe for membership this Thursday by dialing *145# and following the instructions.”
Malabola explained there are three different types of memberships available to fans.
“Platinum is P200, Gold P150 and Silver P100. They come with benefits like funeral cover, accident cover and discount when purchasing club merchandise. We have also partnered with Western Insurance for funeral cover and Thebe Medical Aid which will cover players 100 percent!” he declared proudly.
“We are also negotiating with a software company that is making codes to allow supporters to buy match tickets online and scan using their phone at the entrance of the stadium. There will be no more case of club officials running away with gate takings!”
The driven young businessman added PYS are open to working with other clubs and have already helped Tafic with their membership drive.
As well as Matjimenjenga, Malabola also turned out on the wing for Ecco City Greens and Mogoditshane Fighters.
It was the financial hardships he experienced during his playing days that initially prompted him to consider setting up a business dedicated to generating income in football.
Ironically, it was an article about Chiefs failing to honour a Premier League fixture with Sankoyo Bush Bucks as they were too broke to travel to Maun that convinced Malabola to register his company.
Two years later and he his decision is starting to bear fruits.
Meanwhile, Chiefs Public Relations Director, Pollen Makgane admitted Magosi have struggled with debts recently but stressed the club are confident this partnership will help them ‘not to depend on hand-outs’.
