Eastern Cape to fork out millions for relocation of soccer team

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 The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is to be asked to provide 21 million rand to assist in funding the relocation of Maritzburg United to Nelson Mandela Bay - that's 7 million rand for each of the three years.

The metro is currently involved in discussions with the department to secure the funding.

Economic Development and Recreational Services Acting Executive Director, Anele Qaba says the bill for the metro will be R5 million a year for each of three years.

He stresses, however, that this is subject to budget availability.

Qaba wants the team to relocate and become an anchor tenant for the Nelson Mandela Stadium, that currently faces the possibility of being without Super 15 Rugby next year.

Qaba says Maritzburg United's performance has been stable, so reducing the risk of relegation, while the team ownership and management are also stable.

(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)