There could be a whirlwind of changes after next month’s PSL executive committee electoral congress if utterances by some of the 32 members of the Board of Governors are anything to go by.
This could be a highly contested election, unlike in the past when long-standing chairman Irvin Khoza and other members were elected unopposed. How the electoral congress works is that interested individuals or candidates must be nominated by a member club then accept the nomination.
Thereafter, the voting takes place, and all names are ranked according to the number of votes received. The top seven, make it in. Number eight remains on standby should there be a vacancy.
Election to the executive committee carries the responsibility of running Africa’s richest football league and the prestige of being in charge of sponsorship deals worth hundreds of
millions of rands.
Fresh talent could come in
Calls for young blood – fresh administrators – who can take the organisation into the future have intensified. The names of businessman Chippa Mpengesi (Chippa United owner), corporate lawyer and club boss Tim Sukazi (TS Galaxy), football marketing guru Jessica Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs), respected and astute entrepreneur Sandile Zungu (AmaZulu), and even the eccentric Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize of Royal AM have been suggested for the new exco.
The current exco, elected in 2019, is made up of Khoza, Kaizer Motaung,
Mato Madlala, John Comitis, Stan Matthews, David Thidiela, Rejoice Simelane and Robert Benadie. Madlala, Thidiela and Simelane are said to be staring at the barrel of the gun.
The biggest question is whether the inimitable Khoza, fondly known as the “Iron Duke”, will avail himself of yet another four-year term. The Orlando Pirates boss has been at the helm for five consecutive terms from 2003.
With the much-anticipated meeting taking place in just under a month, members are
alleged to have started lobbying and making moves in the corridor, with some already testing the waters and positioning themselves for election to key positions.
Passing on the baton
In March, Sunday World reported that Khoza had allegedly hinted he would be stepping down. It was said Khoza wanted to pass on the baton. Later, when asked if he would contest the elections, Khoza said he was taught by his mentor, Leepile Taunyane not to fight for positions. “I don’t say things in advance. Things happen when they happen.
I have responsibilities to make sure that I do what I am supposed to do until November. I never stand – if you are good enough, they will make you available. My challenge is to stabilise the league.”
Mpengesi said it would be a disaster if Khoza stepped down. “To be honest, these things do not interest me a lot. I have a lot on my plate in terms of my other engagements and exco positions do not really excite me. If people vote for me, I don’t know, I will consider it and see.
But I hope chairman Khoza stays for another term because it would be a disaster if he were to leave. I hope he stays and does a succession plan for the day he retires,” Mpengesi said.
Sukazi, who, two years ago, told Sunday World of his ambition to one day run the league, was more vocal.
“I have said it before that everybody is within their right to be ambitious. I am willing to come forward and offer assistance. But having said that, people do not place themselves there, they have to be voted into various positions.
“You may have all the credentials, and you can be a corporate, successful lawyer but at the end of the day, the constituency is the one that will vote.
“So, whatever the outcome, I will accept. I have heard calls about bringing in new and young administrators from football supporters but the masses do not vote – their wish may not necessarily become to reality,” Sukazi said.
