One of Limpopo's ABC Motsepe League clubs, Munaca FC, has been sold, leaving many of its local supporters shocked.
The Louis Trichardt-based team, which played its home matches at the Makhado Show Grounds, becomes the second Vhembe side in the same division to sell its status. United Artists announced a similar move last month.
Munaca FC manager Mike Muzila confirmed the sale earlier this week but would not disclose the identity of the buyer. He said the legal aspects of the transaction were still being finalised and both parties had agreed not to reveal details until the process was complete.
While refusing to name the new owners, Muzila did say they were also based in Limpopo.
Munaca FC had bought their status three years ago. They finished second on the league log last season and had several experienced players, including Thenda Ndlovu, formerly of Black Leopards, Marumo Gallants and TTM, and Khathutshelo Rumani, also ex-TTM.
A player, who asked not to be named, expressed disappointment at the sale. "It's just disappointing that things ended this way because we had such a strong team. Sello Choeke and Ricardo Miriri did a really good job assembling a squad that actually competed for three seasons, considering the team's relocation," he said.
"Honestly, if South African football focused only on performance, and not other factors we faced during the league, Munaca could have finished on top, given the players and technical team we had," he added.