Four clubs that could sell their elite status to Comitis after Cape Town City's relegation

Cape Town City owner John Comitis, one of the wealthiest club bosses in the PSL, is reportedly actively exploring avenues to purchase the top-flight status of another club.

This comes in the wake of City’s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, following a disappointing play-off campaign. Born in Kinshasa, DRC, Comitis is a former professional player who turned out for Wits University, Jomo Cosmos, Hellenic, Cape Town Spurs, Vasco da Gama, and Korinthos FC in Greece.

During a recent radio interview, Comitis reflected on the daunting challenge of fighting for promotion in the second tier. Said Comitis: “The shortest route (buying a franchise) is the best route.”

The sentiment echoes Comitis’ initial entry into the PSL, when he acquired the status of Mpumalanga Black Aces and subsequently founded Cape Town City in July 2015.

He has acknowledged the financial complexities involved and the potential backlash from sponsors, many of whom are hesitant to continue their backing while the club operates outside the top division. City currently have several sponsors on board, but Comitis confirmed they are likely to withdraw if the club competes in the second tier.

Questions now swirl around which clubs might be willing to part with their top-flight status — a decision that would come with serious financial implications. While nothing has been confirmed, four clubs have emerged as potential candidates for Comitis’ pursuit:

1 SuperSport United

There have been persistent whispers of a potential sale, particularly as the club recently flirted with relegation. With SuperSport’s parent broadcaster under financial strain and suffering heavy subscriber losses, continuing to bankroll a football club may no longer be feasible. The club finds themselves at a precarious crossroads, with speculation mounting over its long-term future.

2 TS Galaxy

The club is in deep financial distress, worsened by Fifa sanctions over a contractual dispute with Liberian midfielder Jegbay Morris Konneh. Owner Tim Sukazi has faced substantial financial challenges in recent months, and while a sale may not yet be inevitable, it could become a viable option should the burden become too great. However, any new buyer would also inherit those complications.

3 Marumo Gallants

Astute businessman Abram Sello, the owner of Marumo Gallants, is no stranger to the buying and selling of club status. Over the weekend, he released a number of players and recently appointed a young and inexperienced coach. Given his past manoeuvres between South Africa’s two footballing tiers, one wonders whether he would resist a windfall offer to sell Gallants’ Premiership status and rebuild in the First Division.

4 Orbit College FC

Having only just secured promotion, Orbit College now face the financial challenge of competing at Premiership level. Significant investment is required to ensure survival, and unless the North West province throws its support behind them, selling their status could be a practical decision. Banking the proceeds and inheriting City’s NFD position might offer them a more sustainable long-term strategy.

While nothing is cast in stone, the possibility of Cape Town City returning swiftly to the PSL remains very much alive.

Comitis’ next move will be pivotal — not only for the future of his club, but also for the shifting dynamics of South African football.