"I Just Wanted My Peace": Calvin Le John Explains Surname Choice After R50m SuperSport United Deal
- Calvin Le John, son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, has spoken out for the first time since acquiring SuperSport United for R50 million
- He revealed why he uses his mother’s surname, citing his father’s prison sentence on the day he was born
- Le John denied hiding his identity, saying he chose to live in peace and away from public attention
Siwelele FC owner and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie's son, Calvin Le John, has spoken publicly for the first time since acquiring SuperSport United in a R50 million deal.
Source: Twitter
In an exclusive interview with Robert Marawa on 947, Le John addressed speculation surrounding the purchase and explained why he does not carry his father's surname, despite recently confirming that he is indeed McKenzie's son.
Why is Calvin not using his father's surname?
“It doesn’t faze me. It doesn’t touch me because I grew up in an environment where my father was a prisoner. People have always said a lot of things about him, but I guess that’s life,” he told Marawa.
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Le John revealed that on the day he was born, his father was sentenced to 17 years in prison. His mother, wanting to shield him from the stigma, decided not to give him the McKenzie surname.
“She didn’t want her child to grow up with the surname of a prisoner, so she gave me her surname, which is Le John, and I’ve never changed it back,” he said.
He added that having his mother’s surname allowed him to grow up outside of his father's shadow and forge his own identity.
“I’ve always tried to live under the radar. To Twitter (X), I’d say , it’s not because I’m running away from anything. I just wanted peace and to live in the shadows. That’s been my life.”
Watch the video below:
His remarks come amid public scrutiny of Minister McKenzie, with critics alleging that the Sports Minister played a behind-the-scenes role in the purchase of SuperSport United.
McKenzie has firmly denied any involvement in the transaction, which was concluded with MultiChoice as part of a strategic shift by the broadcaster to focus on its core business. While McKenzie has been outspoken about his desire to revive football in Bloemfontein, he has clarified that Siwelele FC is not a resurrection of Bloemfontein Celtic.
The owner of the Bloem Celtic name, Eddie Modise, has also distanced himself from the new club.
Source: Twitter
New PSL club, same name, new era
The newly established Siwelele FC has officially obtained Premier Soccer League (PSL) status and is fully funded by Calvin Le John, the eldest son of Minister McKenzie. Despite the controversy, Le John insists the club is a fresh project built on his vision, not a political or sentimental revival of the past.
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.
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Source: Briefly News
