In an unprecedented crossover between South African football and rugby, Siwelele FC has officially acquired an equity stake in the Toyota Cheetahs!
Siwelele FC chairman Calvin Le John announced the strategic investment, stating that the football club could no longer stand by and watch the iconic Free State rugby franchise struggle financially. The move aims to solidify a historic bond between the two sporting brands and revitalize sports development across the entire province.
‘The Cheetahs Belong to All of Us’: Le John’s Vision
Speaking to FARPost, Le John outlined the ambition behind the partnership:
“We have bought shares in the Free State Cheetahs because we cannot watch them suffer when we’re here. Historically, Siwelele FC and the Cheetahs have had that unifying bond because we are teams of the Free State.”
“So, we’ve decided as Siwelele that we are going to make things official. The Cheetahs and Siwelele are one. They have allowed us to buy shares in the team and for that we are thankful.”
Expanding Rugby Beyond Bloemfontein
In addition to financial backing, Siwelele FC plans to decentralize Cheetahs matches to make rugby accessible to broader communities across the province:
- Dr Molemela Stadium (Mangaung): Bringing professional rugby directly into the heart of the township community.
- Bethlehem: Taking top-tier rugby fixtures to rural Free State regions.
- Toyota Stadium: Retaining the traditional home venue while building a wider provincial footprint.
