Jomo Biyela address confusion around sponsorship influence

The KwaZulu-Natal based Betway Premiership club unveiled their multimillionaire sponsorship in June, and during the launch there was confusion about the power of Mr Thabiso Tenyane following his comments around the future of now departed coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi.

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During a media briefing, the Phakwe Gas CEO Thabiso Tenyane suggested that the club will be looking for a new coach.

“The next surprise will be about the coach,” Tenyane told the media.

Following those comments, there was a lot of confusion and speculation around the club, with rumours suggesting that chairman Biyela might have lost power. It was also fuelled by the revelation of coach Rhulani Mokwena that he was offered a deal by the Natal Rich Boys following his departure at Mamelodi Sundowns, noted from his interview on Metro FM.

Three weeks later, the club parted ways with coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi, over a disagreement on a new clause as revealed by the coach on Metro FM. Upon the investigation SABC Sport further got information that someone in the club was looking at bringing coach Benni McCarthy as the new coach, however, Biyela had lined up Brandon Truter as his man.

On Wednesday night, chairman Jomo Biyela speaking with Victor Molefe on Ukhozi FM, addressed the big question around the new sponsor and confusion around their influence.

“Bhuti Victor, I must say that I’m still in charge of this club, the sponsor does not have any say in the club’s masters. I make decisions on my own.

I find it very disrespectful and feel undermined by such talks, in fact the sponsor does not even know Brandon Truter, didn’t even know coach Vusi Vilakazi. I’m the one who deals with football matters, then Xolani Zungu deals with media and marketing. So I feel undermined by such suggestion about my club and powers”

Biyela further addressed the issue around their home venue, with another confusion around King Zwelithini Stadium, as AmaZulu FC are believed to be in talks to move some of their games there with President Sandile Zungu also confirmed talks.

“We saw the fixture, unfortunately we haven’t been told. However, we understand, we are not from Durban, we were just using Umlazi temporarily, as you know our situation.

 We are still not sure about Umhlathuze, as I said before, maybe it would be better to talk with the government on that side, they can give you a better answer” he concluded.