Betway Premiership side Chippa United has cited the unequal distribution of funds as a key factor in their decision to withdraw from the Home of Legends Cup, a tournament featuring Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The four-team tournament is scheduled for Saturday, 16 November, with clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Golden Arrows confirmed to participate.
The tournament is aimed at celebrating the rich football heritage in the country, providing an opportunity for fans to experience high-level competitive football in a festive atmosphere.
But in an official statement on Tuesday, the Chilli Boys expressed their displeasure with the distribution of funds as well as the behaviour of the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency, Anele Qaba.
CHIPPA UNITED EXPLAIN REASONS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE HOME OF LEGENDS CUP
“As a club deeply rooted in Gqeberha, we are disheartened by the lack of transparency in the planning of this event,” the club said.
“Despite our openness to collaboration and compromise, considering the high-profile teams involved, the agency’s CEO, Anele Qaba, has shown a disappointing reluctance to engage with us. One of our primary concerns is the unequal treatment in the distribution of funds and resources for this event.
“While the other three teams are offered fair compensation for participation, Chippa United FC was not offered the same participation fee. How are we expected to motivate our players when we cannot guarantee them bonuses from this tournament.”
EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS FALL ON DEAF EARS BY THE ORGANISERS
“Our attempts to address these concerns were dismissed, with Mr Qaba suggesting we should withdraw if we are not happy with the terms. Such an approach not only undermines our club but also strains the integrity of our partnership with the Nelson Mandela Municipality.
“The agency’s decision to allocate millions of the municipality’s funds for this one-day event raises significant questions about the priorities of its leadership.
“Rather than investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as renovating facilities like the Isaac Wolfson Stadium-which currently does not meet PSL standards and would benefit the entire Gqeberha community, are instead being directed towards a brief tournament where visiting teams are unlikely to field their strongest squads.
“Following the CEO’s suggestion to withdraw if dissatisfied, we have decided to step back from this tournament. We wish all participating teams the best in the Home of Legends Cup.”
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