“I’m the Son of Gayton McKenzie”: Calvin Le John Speaks Out After R50m Siwelele FC Deal
- Calvin Le John, the new Siwelele FC owner, revealed he is the son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, breaking his silence on their relationship
- Le John purchased the club for R50 million from SuperSport United, amid public scrutiny and allegations of his father's involvement
- Minister McKenzie denies any links to the deal, stating the club is a new entity and not a revival of Bloemfontein Celtic
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Siwelele FC’s new owner, Calvin Le John, has publicly declared himself the son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie while addressing supporters of the club he recently acquired for R50 million from SuperSport United.
Source: Twitter
Despite previously avoiding the spotlight by not using his father's surname, Le John introduced himself to fans by embracing his connection to the controversial politician.
"I'm Calvin Le John, the firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie. On the day I was born, my father was sentenced to 17 years [for armed robbery]. From the day I was born until the age of 10, the only connection we had was through the visitors’ section at Grootvlei [prison],” he told supporters during an emotional address.
Le John also shared how deeply rooted Bloemfontein Celtic is within his family, saying,
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
“In my family, one of the only things that brought us happiness was Siwelele.”
His public remarks come amid heavy scrutiny of Minister McKenzie, with many South Africans accusing him of being involved in the behind-the-scenes business dealings that led to the club’s purchase. Critics have gone as far as alleging that McKenzie is secretly part of the ownership structure, claims he has vehemently denied.
The Minister has previously been vocal about restoring Bloemfontein Celtic to top-flight football in South Africa. While the revival of football in the region aligns with his vision, McKenzie emphasised that this is not the return of Bloem Celtic, but an entirely new club.
The owner of the Bloem Celtic name, Eddie Modise, has also distanced himself from the new Siwelele FC, making it clear that the two are not connected.
Calvin Le John: The man behind the purchase
The new club has officially obtained Premier Soccer League (PSL) status and is bankrolled by Calvin Le John, who is the eldest son of the Minister.
McKenzie explained that he had no involvement in the purchase of the club from MultiChoice, who reportedly sold SuperSport United due to a strategic shift focusing on their core broadcasting operations.
McKenzie: “There’s no link to me”
In an interview with eNCA, McKenzie acknowledged that a family member, without naming his son directly, “dug deep into his pockets” to buy SuperSport United, adding that the people of Bloemfontein have been deprived of top-flight football for too long.
Source: Twitter
Amajita's star player signs with an English club
Briefly News previously reported that Stellenbosch FC and South Africa U20 defender Tylon Smith is set to complete his move to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
The two clubs have agreed on the transfer of one of South Africa’s most promising young talents. Smith was one of the standout players for Amajita at the Under 20 African Championships.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
