The sale of majority shares of Moroka Swallows, which might see the club ownership changing hands, warrants a rethink by the Premier Soccer League on how it handles this type of transaction.

The sale of majority shares of Moroka Swallows, which might see the club ownership changing hands, warrants a rethink by the Premier Soccer League on how it handles this type of transaction.

Rethink because of the risk of a tradition-steeped club such as the Birds erasing its status as a national heritage if it should fall into the hands of new owners who might be indifferent to its proud history.

This might happen if - for instance - the new owners insist that the Birds move from its traditional home in Soweto to - say - Mpumalanga.

By the same token, it is inconceivable that, for example, the AmaZulu franchise would ever move base to Soweto - and become Soweto AmaZulu - as a consequence of its new owners.

This is a question the PSL may have to resolve if it is to protect national football institutions such as Sundowns, Chiefs, AmaZulu, Celtic and Pirates.