Defeated by a few words
FERREIRA SAID TOO MUCH
REMARKS described as “mindlessness” by Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza were seemingly key in the departure of José Ferreira as SuperSport United’s COO this week.
Ferreira, who is now set to join Bidvest Wits as CEO in the coming weeks, has severed ties with the newly-crowned Nedbank Cup champions following disagreements with senior management.
Sources close to the team say a heated meeting convened between Ferreira and the club’s board resulted in the former’s exit.
At the centre of the argument were utterances attributed to Ferreira in response to the record R1 billion sponsorship announcement of the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs by partner Vodacom, which he said was detrimental to the health of the PSL.
“I think if South African football has been in trouble for the last 10 years (it is because) of the money pumped into the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
“When I hear of a R1bn sponsorship I think we’re all in serious trouble, ” he was quoted as saying.
SuperSport International issued a statement distancing themselves from Ferreira’s remarks.
“SuperSport International doesn’t support such views,” said SuperSport CEO Happy Ntshingila.
“On the contrary, SuperSport International recognises and appreciates the value that sponsorship brings into sport.”
MultiChoice SA Group CEO Imtiaz Patel echoed Ntshingila’s comment, saying: “I must reiterate the comments of SuperSport International and distance MultiChoice from the utterances.”
There was also no support from United chairman Khulu Sibiya, who said Ferreira’s views reflected his own opinion.
He added that the issue would be discussed at a board meeting.
“It’s quite unfortunate that Ferreira is leaving the club. He has served the team well in his three-year stay.”
Ferreira could not be reached for comment yesterday.
But United’s spokesman David “Mazolman” Skosana said: “José will remain with us in our hearts.
“We value him just like we value Pitso Mosimane, Stan Matthews and Bruce Grobbelaar ... He leaves with no conditions and he’ll always be part of this family.”
Ferreira assumed more responsibility at Matsatsantsa, mostly overseeing the transfers, following the departure of the club’s football director Stan Matthews in December.
Ferreira will also be chief executive at Wits, a position previously held by team head coach Roger De Sa.
De Sa’s involvement in administration seemed to have an adverse impact on the team, as his attention was often severely divided at Wits.
Wits ended the season perilously close to disaster, just six points clear of the relegation zone.
Ferreira has vast experience, having worked with the championship-winning Mamelodi Sundowns and having been part of the United side that delivered three successive league titles.