It is official — one of the local clubs affiliated with the Limpopo Stream of the ABC Motsepe League, United Artists FC, has been sold.
Confirming the transaction, the former chairman of the club, Mr Thikhedzo Mashau, said the decision to sell the franchise had not been an easy one. He explained that he had been born into a football family and that football was part of his life.
Mashau said the decision to sell the club's status had been influenced by the fact that his construction company would be working in the Western Cape for the next five years. This, according to him, will require him to spend most of his time in the Western Cape, making it impossible to run the team from a distance.
The new owner, Mr Caiphus Sekgobela, said the club would now be based in Gamasemola village in the Sekhukhune area, following the sale. Sekgobela is also the owner of SAFA Sekhukhune Regional League affiliate Gosebo United FC.
Both Mashau and Sekgobela declined to disclose the sale price, saying that was a matter between the buyer and the seller.
United Artists were promoted to the ABC Motsepe League three years ago after spending nearly two decades campaigning in the SAFA Vhembe Regional League. The team finished the 2022/23 season in third position.
United Artists dropped to fourth place at the end of the 2023/24 season. The former pride of Lufule village had a disappointing run this season, finishing in sixth position with 26 points — 22 points behind the champions, Mpheni Defenders.
Mashau concluded by apologising to the club's supporters for selling the franchise without their knowledge.