Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi believes that a prolonged suspension of the Premier Soccer League due to the coronavirus could have clubs struggling to pay their players because of the loss of sponsorship.

South Africa, along with the rest of the world, is currently facing uncertain times due the Covid-19 pandemic with the league having been suspended since mid-March.

The country is currently in lockdown until at least the end of April, with football not to return until it is safe to do so.

With the end of the league up in the air and subsequently the likely postponement of the start of next season, Mapengesi believes clubs could lose sponsors which will affect their ability to pay their players.

‘If the coronavirus takes longer, clubs will lose sponsors. That means many clubs will struggle to pay the salaries of players,’ Mpengesi told DailySun.

‘You know players’ salaries are high and they are not catered for by the money we receive from the PSL. There will be nothing in return for sponsors, and they will have no choice but cut their ties [with clubs].’

‘Fortunately, most of the clubs don’t rely on gate takings,’ added the Chippa chairman.

‘I think the way Dr [Irvin] Khoza [league chairman] designed the PSL, means clubs don’t have to rely on gate takings. You find clubs are not making money out of gate takings. The R40 [per game] that is paid by fans doesn’t make any difference,’ he concluded.