Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL and Sesotho by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance in the Free State welcomes the move of the Marumo Gallants Soccer team to the capital city of the Free State province, Bloemfontein.
Residents of the Free State and the many adamant soccer lovers of the province have been calling for the return of a Free State-based Premier League soccer team for several years. Our province has a rich history of delivering outstanding soccer players, team coaches, and even more extraordinarily loyal supporters.
The economic and social value of the game of soccer, and sports in general, cannot be underestimated. The DA emphasises the importance of sports in uplifting, empowering, and enriching the lives of our residents. Sports also play a major role in promoting healthy living, social cohesion and nation-building. The economic impact of sport on our province is significant, as evidenced by various other sporting events, which brought major economic investment to the city. We trust that the Marumo Gallants will also bring much-needed economic stimulus and entertainment to the province.
The Democratic Alliance hopes to see the 7th Administration prioritise growth in the sporting, cultural and tourism sector which has immense potential in the Free State. Investment in public infrastructure such as our stadiums, roads and transport networks, will encourage more sporting teams and events in the province.
The DA will continue to champion investment and involvement in sport, arts and culture in the Free State as a means to create opportunities for all residents of the province, to stimulate economic growth, and to ensure development of our future sporting starts.