Sunday, 24th June 2007 at 10:28 pm

Want big crowds? Sign Ronaldinho…

For all the drama over the PSL’s sale of television rights to SuperSport ahead of the SABC, local football doesn’t have the most active of support bases, half-full stadiums a regular occurence if Pirates, Chiefs or Bloemfontein Celtic aren’t in action. Even champions Sundowns haven’t had packed stands over the last two seasons; the high-profile clash with Barcelona, however, made it pretty clear what the key is to packing in the crowds: sign Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian was the star attraction of a show that reportedly cost $2-million to put together, Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe and MTN splitting the bill. But the substantial fee certainly paid off in terms of numbers through the gate, the chance to see the Brazilian magician in action making it the hottest ticket in town.

All you need to do, then, is sign the buck-toothed superstar - famously described as the secret lovechild of Lionel Richie and Plug from The Bash Street Kids - and you’re assured of a full house all season. Sure, it might cost a little to pry Ronaldinho free from the Nou Camp, but the Brazilian was clearly enjoying himself at Monsoon Lagoon later in the evening, so perhaps South Africa might hold a certain appeal. If David Beckham can head to LA, then Ronaldinho heading south might just be possible. If Golden Arrows sign Ronaldinho in the off season, you heard it here first.