Gayton McKenzie Refutes Allegations of Involvement in Son’s R50 Million SuperSport United Deal
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has responded to growing speculation after reports emerged that his son, Calvin Le John, played a pivotal role in the R50 million purchase of SuperSport United, a club in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
With public rumors linking the major acquisition to McKenzie’s political influence, the outspoken minister quickly took the opportunity to clear the air.
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“There’s no connection to me, nor should there be,” he told eNCA’s Percy Young.
“I maintain an arm’s length. However, family members did provide financial assistance and secured the team; they bought SuperSport United.”
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Despite McKenzie’s former assurance to reinstate Bloemfontein Celtic in the PSL, he strongly asserts that his ministerial role had no bearing on the football acquisition.
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Calvin, who distanced himself from the McKenzie name years ago, is reportedly planning to rebrand SuperSport United as Siwelele FC, in honor of the now-defunct Celtic club and its loyal supporters.
Siwelele Dreams: Calvin’s Football Revival
Calvin Le John’s effort to revive the Siwelele legacy strikes a powerful chord within the McKenzie family. Bloemfontein Celtic, once a beloved institution in the Free State, was sold and transformed into Royal AM, leaving many fans disappointed.
In what appears to be a heartfelt tribute, Calvin seeks to revive the essence of Phunya Sele Sele through this ambitious acquisition.
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Minister McKenzie recently shared the deep significance of this venture: “The only time my father embraced me was when Celtic scored. This is incredibly emotional for my family,” he reflected. “My son was with my father at the end, and the last discussion was about Celtic.”
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This personal connection is the driving force behind the family’s involvement—regardless of political implications. McKenzie stated, “We cannot just stand by when my family can help… people in the Free State are suffering. That cannot continue.”
Gayton’s Public Commitments, Private Transactions: Where Boundaries Blur
Just weeks before the news of the SuperSport United acquisition broke, Minister McKenzie boldly asserted that Bloemfontein Celtic would be returning to the premier league.
“Siwelele or Phunya Sele Sele is on the verge of a return. I won’t promise what I can’t deliver as a minister. I’m a politician,” he noted during that time, hinting at a broader initiative to revive the iconic team.
He also assured the public: “They confirmed they are 100% on schedule,” referring to the parties involved in the project.
However, with his son now leading a multi-million rand deal and plans to revive Siwelele FC, questions emerge about where the minister’s personal interests end and his professional boundaries begin.
In his characteristic style, McKenzie addressed the controversy with a mix of candor and humor: “As a minister, when I get reshuffled, I’ll consider a job as a mascot.”
While McKenzie insists he is not part of the deal, the interplay of family loyalty, political responsibilities, and passion for football has created a narrative too complex—and too fascinating—for South Africans to ignore.
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