New era dawns at PSL

WE WELCOME the PSL’s move of drifting towards the change of guard after two new faces were voted into the league’s executive committee this week.

Congratulations are in order to Dr Rejoice Simelane of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic’s Khumbulani Konco, as well as to the rest of the usual suspects who were elected to the seven-member structure for the umpteenth time.

It was refreshing to hear PSL chairman Irvin Khoza talking “succession” in his acceptance speech after he was re-elected unopposed to serve another fouryear term.

We asked on this very space not long ago if our football leadership were just comfortable holding office and if they were grooming new people to pick up the baton since Khoza is fast approaching 70.

The Iron Duke answered our call when he said in his speech that “most of us are on our way out sooner than later”.

For the record, Konco is the only former professional player in the PSL executive, while Simelane joins Mato Madlala as just one of the two women who are high up in the latest organogram of the league hierarchy.

We also commend the PSL for declaring that it will likely prolong the Premiership season to June to allow Mamelodi Sundowns ample time prepare and participate in the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan next month.

The downside is that the league is yet to appoint a chief executive since Madlala took over as the stop-gap measure exactly a year ago.

We wonder how Madlala, who is supposed to be the league’s accounting officer, is able to juggle running Golden Arrows, while also serving in the executive.

Khoza has previously scorned at accusations that Madlala’s appointment was a conflict of interest.

Though he was quick to say “football looks easy from outside”, we believe a full-time CEO in place will consolidate our league’s position as one of the most professionally run globally.