Reports at the time suggested the PSL had not given the Dube Birds the green light because the imminent deal was in conflict with its own sponsors MTN and Multichoice.

What followed was allegations of non-payment of salaries for the club’s players and staff, which Mogashoa exclusively addressed via SABC Sport in July last year.

Swallows are still in search of a financial backer, and Mogashoa says the decision “crippled” the club and they continue to feel its effects today.

"No, the shirts were printed. That Telkom thing – I know we're still talking about it three years later, that thing crippled us," Mogashoa told SABC Sport.

"It was like, you, as Mazola [Molefe], get a job at SABC, you resign from your [current] job, you get an appointment letter and you then go find a property that is linked to your salary, and then SABC says, 'Oh, something happened, we can't employ you anymore.'

"What happens? You end up in big trouble because you've already signed up all those contracts that you are taking the house, the car, and the kids to private schools, it's a big problem.

"So, now we have to work through that problem and make sure that everything is cleaned up before the end of this season, so that next season we start on a clean slate."

Mogashoa adds that the lack of live TV matches for Swallows also impacts their search, and points to SuperSport United as a rival team enjoying contrasting fortunes.

"Of course they are benefitting from those games, SuperSport has never had a no-TV game, all SuperSport's games are broadcasted, so that is an easy sell – when you go to sponsors, you can assure them that all your games are going to be televised," he added.

"So they are benefitting and it's an advantage for them. For us, we just have to forget about the Telkom issue, try and be consistent on the field and once we are consistent then we'll get a sponsor."

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