Safa announces first woman CEO
In an awkward media conference yesterday, former SA Football Association (Safa) CEO Tebogo Motlanthe dismissed suggestions of ill-feeling between him and the federation’s hierarchy, before he beat a hasty retreat from the briefing.
Motlanthe resigned with immediate effect on Friday, with various media reports saying he quit because he felt he was nothing but a glorified clerk, and his “constitutional right to privacy was tampered with”, among other issues.
Motlanthe was at the news conference where Safa president Danny Jordaan announced former Banyana Banyana player and the organisation’s COO, Lydia Monyepao, as the first woman CEO of the football mother body.
Jordaan said it was best to call on Motlanthe himself to explain that there had been no bad blood.
“We’ve asked him [to be] here because a lot of things were said, and it’s best he speaks for himself on the matter, and we will then respond,” Jordaan said.
“A lot of things which were written are just not backed by facts,” Jordaan added, before turning to address Motlanthe.
“Mr Motlanthe, I must inform you that the emergency committee did accept your resignation.
“We understand that it’s not the first time that the person resigns and goes elsewhere.
“Russell Paul resigned because he was going to work as the CEO at the Qatar World Cup, and there was no issue.
“This association always supports young administrators and continues to do so. That is our position.”
Motlanthe spoke about a resignation letter purported to have been from him, which had been leaked to the media.
“It’s true that I have tendered a resignation, which I have signed.
“The one which is on social media, I would like to categorically say that it’s not my letter,” Motlanthe said.
“Mine has a signature and it has my reasons. My reasons are simple; [they are] personal and private.”
Despite leaving on a “good note”, the former CEO opted against serving the required one-month notice.
“I said to the association that I will not be serving a month’s notice, I’m resigning with immediate effect and as in my contract; they can then take my salary from that,” Motlanthe said.
“I don’t have any bad blood with anyone, including the president.
“I’ve worked well with the president; he has been a father and guided me,” he said.
“This is a personal decision I have taken.”
After that ,Motlanthe wished his successor well and asked not to be bothered about Safa matters by the media.
He stood up in anticipation of leaving, but Jordaan asked him for a picture opportunity.
It has become the norm that when Safa CEOs quit there are rumours of discord between them and the president.
Motlanthe left the briefing soon afterwards without entertaining any questions.
Safa is yet to discuss the details of Monyepao’s new contract.