Paradigm shift in administration needed

There is an inevitable need for a shift in the administration of South African soccer sooner than later. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the opportunity for the administration of soccer to delve deep into restructuring how our game is run. Despite having secured sponsorship for the National First Division, it seems as though the clubs are using sponsors as cash cows. There’s always an issue with regards to players’ contracts and salaries, and the gap between the elite league and NFD is saddening. PSL should look into setting up an ad hoc oversight committee which would oversee players’ salaries and honouring of contracts by clubs throughout the season and intervene where necessary. It should be mandatory for clubs to submit their payroll list to this committee after every payment has been made to the players and such information to be kept confidential. Acquire the services of an external payroll service software company where players can access their payslips to eliminate manipulation of the system. After all, this is professional soccer league, it should be treated as such on every level making part of the whole. The pandemic has undoubtedly crippled most businesses and a comeback by many clubs will almost be impossible as they have been struggling to keep up with the pace under normal circumstances. Going forward, it should be proposed that financial audit of the potential buyer be carried out or only consortiums and/ or minimum of, say, four directors will be able to purchase a franchise in the GladAfrica Championship to ensure that players do not fall victim to the failed businesses of one owner, which also brings the league into disrepute.