Opposition parties in the Free State have called for a renewed focus on reviving local soccer teams, specifically Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars to help improve the local economy.

MEC Ketso Makume presented the 2024/25 budget for the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs in the Fourth Raadsaal on Thursday (1/8). The parties believed these teams were once vital economic drivers and could significantly revitalize the province’s economy.

EFF MPL Malefane Msimanga started by criticising the budget delivered by Makume, stating it fails to address the needs of the less fortunate and overlooks the economic potential of restoring top-flight football in the region. The presence of teams like Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars significantly boosted local businesses, from petrol stations to guest houses, by attracting visitors from across South Africa and beyond.

EFF MPL Malefane Msimanga during the 2024/25 DESTEA budget tabling. Photo: Screenshot

“Reviving Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars is crucial. They were key economic pillars, generating substantial income and enhancing the provincial economy. People would travel to see these teams play, benefiting local businesses through increased patronage,” Msimanga said.

He lamented that while the provincial government has allocated R2,2 billion to entities like Interstate Bus Line irregularly, there is little support for revitalising soccer, which he views as a missed economic opportunity.

Similarly, DA MPL Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure, Roads, Transport, and Human Settlements, David Janse van Rensburg, called for a strategic focus on infrastructure and private sector engagement to enhance the province’s attractiveness.

He pointed out that the Free State, with its facilities such as the Toyota Stadium, Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium, and various other sports venues, has untapped potential that can be leveraged for economic growth.

DA MPL Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure, Roads, Transport, and Human Settlements, David Janse Van Rensburg. Photo: Screenshot

“What are we offering supporters and tourists that want to visit the Free State? We need to showcase the province’s capabilities, as demonstrated by the successful international rugby match between the Springboks and Portugal. Events like these benefit local guest houses, shopping centers, filling stations, and small businesses,” Janse van Rensburg said.

He lamented the underutilisation of the province’s sports infrastructure, noting that the loss of the Celtic soccer franchise and the failure to host national championships due to poor infrastructure have detrimental effects on the local economy.

Janse van Rensburg urged DESTEA to collaborate with other departments, such as Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, and municipal authorities to mitigate losses and maximize economic benefits from sports and tourism.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh