New era to kick-off as exit door beckons for elders
We look at likely successors of Khoza and Jordaan
There is a saying that goes, “All good things must come to an end, but every end becomes a new beginning.” That may just be the tale of two of the biggest leadership positions in South African football.
Both SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan and long-serving Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Irvin Khoza are in the twilight of their careers, and the SA football fraternity may just start bracing itself for an end to an era and with it new beginnings.
Khoza has hinted that after 21 years at the helm, the time to pass on the baton may have arrived.
But the biggest question is that of a succession plan, and if there’s anyone available to fill the big man’s shoes and take the league to the next level. Khoza is now 76 years old.
At Safa, the national football-controlling association has been plagued by corruption and scandals. People are calling for the 72-year-old Jordaan, who has been at the helm since 2013, to vacate his position and bring about the much-needed change to turn around the fortunes of the embattled mother body.
Sunday World takes a look at some of the potential leaders at Safa and PSL.
Lucas Radebe (Safa):
The former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain is probably the only former player who has vocalised his desire and dream to succeed Jordaan as Safa president.
With only two years remaining until the next Safa elective congress, it remains to be seen whether “Rhoo” will put his name in the hat and contest for the hot seat.
Lydia Monyepao (Safa):
Monyepao is filling one of the most important positions in SA football as the CEO of Safa and is always hands-on in matters relating to women’s football with Banyana Banyana.
Having played football herself, she is expected to know what the sport lacks and needs to reach its full potential.
John Comitis (PSL):
The Cape Town City chairman, who was recently roped in to form part of the PSL national executive committee (NEC), is said to be low-key interested in leading the league one day.
Comitis is also another figure that has had a massive impact on the growth and standard of the league, and his inclusion in the NEC did not come by chance or mistake.
Jessica Motaung (PSL):
Kaizer Chiefs may not be where they once were football-wise, but in terms of the growth of the brand, it goes without saying that Amakhosi are where they are today partly because of the hard work done by Jessica Motaung behind the scenes in the marketing department.
Jessica is one of the most knowledgeable administrators, not only in SA football but across the African continent.
Tim Sukazi (PSL):
TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi is also another NEC member in the PSL and has been one of the most influential club owners in the league since his club bought a status in the PSL and went on to cement its stay in the SA topflight since 2019.
Stan Matthews (PSL):
Arguably the most successful CEO in the PSL, Matthews is one name that can never be overlooked in the conversation about who the next PSL chairman should be. In recent years, Matthews has been involved in some of the biggest transfers in local football, and his business knowledge and negotiation skills will come in handy in the growth of the SA football and keeping sponsors.
Mato Madlala (PSL):
Despite her age, the PSL acting CEO knows her way around the league’s offices, as she has been in the caretaker position for just over nine years since replacing Brand de Villiers in 2015. Madlala is a woman of many responsibilities, as she is also the owner of Golden Arrows and an NEC member of the PSL.