Fifteen years ago, a young businessman made a quiet but symbolic change — he adopted the surname Le John, not to escape a legacy, but to build one of his own. Today, Calvin Le John, the eldest son of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, is making headlines not for his name, but for his vision.
This week, the South African football world was rocked by the announcement that SuperSport United, one of the Premier Soccer League’s most decorated clubs, has been sold to Siwelele FC (Pty) Ltd, a company led by Le John. The deal, reportedly worth R50 million, marks the end of SuperSport International’s 30-year ownership and the beginning of a new era — one rooted in legacy, ambition, and a deep love for the game
A New Chapter for a Historic Club
Founded in 1994, SuperSport United has been a powerhouse in South African football, boasting three league titles, five Nedbank Cups, and a youth academy that produced stars like Ronwen Williams. Under Le John’s leadership, the club will be rebranded as Siwelele FC, a nod to the beloved Bloemfontein Celtic, whose spirit he aims to revive.
While the club will continue to train in Johannesburg and honour its commitments in Polokwane, it will also play matches in Bloemfontein, reconnecting with the passionate Free State fanbase that once filled Seisa Ramabodu Stadium with song and colour
From Boardrooms to the Beautiful Game
Calvin Le John is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. When his father entered government, Calvin assumed control of the family’s sprawling business empire — spanning mining, logistics, hospitality, entertainment, and publishing.
He also spearheaded a landmark deal in the Eastern Cape, hailed by insiders as one of the most strategic business moves in the region this decade.
Yet, football has always been more than a business for him. It’s personal. “Siwelele FC is not just a club,” he said. “It’s a promise to the people of Bloemfontein — a revival of pride, passion, and the enduring spirit of Ntate Molemela.”
Not Without Controversy
The sale has not been without its complications. Bra Eddie Modise, a Free State businessman, claims ownership of the Bloemfontein Celtic naming rights, which he reportedly purchased for R5 million. While Le John’s team has opted for the name Siwelele FC, the dispute underscores the emotional and commercial weight of reviving a club with such deep roots
Legacy Over Limelight
Despite the media buzz, Calvin Le John remains characteristically reserved. He’s not doing this for fame. He’s doing it for legacy — for the city that raised him, the fans who never stopped believing, and the future of South African football.
As the PSL awaits final approval of the sale, one thing is clear: Siwelele FC is more than a rebrand — it’s a resurrection.
