Along with its new name, a change from GladAfrica Championship, the Motsepe foundation Championship is set for a prize money increase. This was indicated by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe at a press conference earlier this week.
"We want to know about the money… I can assure you, it [winning prize increase] is significant,” Motsepe told media.
"Because football is something we love, it's who we are. It's more than just what happens on the field."
Previously, the second division winners would earn R3 million and automatic entry into the top flight, with the runners-up getting R1.5 million and R1 million going to third-placed.
"I’m confident that Premier Soccer League (PSL), as we move forward, will still get sponsorship from many of the biggest companies in the country, as well as globally," Motsepe added.
This cash injection follows an increase of R2 million for winners of the ABC Motsepe League from R1 million to R3 million due to struggles faced by clubs, Motsepe said.
"Part of what we’re doing is to increase the prize money because they’ve been getting R1-million – [the plan is] to increase that to R3-million," he explained.
PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza also confirmed that efforts are being made to bring in more broadcasting to the second division but explained the stumbling block lies in getting enough interest in the matches to justify the costs of covering them.
"We will try our best to get more televised. I know it's going to be hard on SABC. Maybe we’ll persuade Supersport to do more. We have the appetite for that," Khoza confirmed.
