SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has revealed the intricacies of loan
deals at the club, with a special emphasis on the clause inserted by
Mamelodi Sundowns in the majority of their loan contracts. Matthews opened
up on the Marawa Sports Worldwide show about the financial dynamics of
loan deals and why they have to live with Sundowns’ prohibiting loan
clause.
Matthews said that, for the majority of the time, SuperSport foot the
salary bill for players acquired on loan. However, when they cannot afford
to do so, they ask the parent club to meet them halfway. He also pointed
out that the terms of the loan deal depend on the club from which the
player is coming.
At the beginning of the season, SuperSport signed three players on loan
from Sundowns: goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, Grant Margeman and Thabang
Sibanyoni. However, Sundowns have inserted a loan clause which bars those
three players from playing against their parent club. Matthews admitted
that this gives the Brazilians a “competitive advantage”, but he has no
choice but to live with it, if it means signing a valuable player.
He also drew a comparison to the UK, where players on loan from one club
are not allowed to play against their parent club. Matthews said he has to
make a decision whether to sign a player, knowing that he will not be able
to play against Sundowns for two games each season, but banking on the
other 28 games for him to add value.
“Yes, it’s not ideal for me and for sure it gives Sundowns a competitive
advantage because they are playing against me with three of my regulars
not playing. Whereas when I’m playing against Chiefs, Pirates and everyone
else I’m playing with my full strength team,” he said.
