Latest news with #LetsFixSAFootball
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
How Sekhukhune United and Generation Schools plan to reshape youth football development
Themba Sithole, Technical Director at Sekhukhune United, Phineas Madisha, Football Manager at Sekhukhune United, Jevron Epstein, CEO of Generation Schools, Tebogo Mapinga, Head of Marketing and Communication at Sekhukhune United and Tshepho Malope, Football Manager at Sekhukhune United, pictured at the their partnership launch. Image: Supplied Football academies are a dime a dozen around the country, most of them selling parents and kids dreams of developing aspiring players to play in some of the world's great football leagues. But many people running these academies turn out to be snake-oil salespeople. That was certainly the case last month when BT Academy in Cape Town was thrust into the news for all the wrong reasons. Fix Football #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ BT Academy came under fire after a group comprising Under-14, Under-19 and girls' soccer teams were left stranded in Spain when return flights were not booked, despite each player paying R50 000 for what was supposed to be an all-expenses-paid trip to the Donosti Cup. The bulk of those kids made it home safely thanks to the help of the community and broadcast personality Tracy Lange, who stepped in after the owner of the BT Academy, Brandon Timmy, left them to fend for themselves. It's tough to regulate these academies, as many aren't affiliated with mother bodies, such as the Safa or Fifa. Safa Cape Town boss Bennett Bailey confirmed that BT Academy wasn't 'authorised to participate in Fifa-sanctioned tournaments.' Yet, parents forked out R50,000 to get their kids to Spain to play in a tournament, hoping that it might be a springboard to greater things. In the end, it turned out to be a nightmare — which, luckily, had a happy ending. Last week, however, Betway Premiership club Sekhukhune United and Generation Schools announced the type of partnership that, at first glance, seems like a much better academy model for young kids aspiring to be professional footballers. Sekhukhune and Generation Schools launched a ground-breaking, fully integrated youth football academy in Gauteng, which, according to a statement, will combine elite-level football training with private school education for up to 144 talented young athletes. All of the kids will enjoy fully funded scholarships. It's a model similar to what we see in rugby, but typically without the involvement of a professional team. Former Model C schools across the country hand out scholarships to many young rugby players, especially those from previously disadvantaged and poorer communities. These players enjoy the best rugby development money can offer, while also gaining a good education. The cream of the crop then enter SA Rugby's Early Player Development (EPD) pipeline, which more often than not leads straight into the Springboks. Sekhukhune United, launched five years ago, has become a sustainable football brand in a country where even legacy clubs have folded under financial strain. Over the past two seasons, they have finished fourth in the league, and this past weekend they qualified for the semi-finals of the MTN8. But Sekhukhune United know they don't have the financial muscle to compete with giants such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs for the best players in the country. They want to develop their own stars, while also giving those who don't make it a proper education to fall back on. 'We're building a footballing legacy that starts with meaningful investment in our youth. But our ambition isn't just about producing the next generation of professional players — it's about nurturing responsible, empowered young leaders,' Sekhukhune United's marketing and communications head, Tebogo Mapinga, told the media. 'Too often, our brightest talents are lured abroad. "This academy is designed to give them world-class opportunities right here at home. This collaboration will change the lives of the youth from the Sekhukhune region, along with the rest of South Africa.'
IOL News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Beyond the blame: Understanding the governance challenges in South African football
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan In the complex world of South African football, much of the criticism aimed at its president, Danny Jordaan, appears to overshadow a deeper issue: the decision-making power lies not solely with him, but primarily with the National Executive Committee (NEC). Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix The ongoing criticism directed at South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has reached a crescendo, with many supporters and analysts voicing their frustrations via social media platforms. However, this intense vilification appears to overshadow a more complex reality. The true decision-making power lies not solely with Jordaan but predominantly with the National Executive Committee (NEC), which plays a crucial role in the governance and strategic direction of South African football. As South Africa's footballing landscape grapples with numerous challenges, Jordaan has inadvertently become a focal point for widespread discontent. The frustrations directed at him are often disproportionate, with little acknowledgement of the collective responsibility of the NEC. This body is drawn predominantly from National List Members from various regions and Provincial List Members representing the country's nine provinces. This situation raises vital questions about the dynamics that govern South African football. While it is natural for fans to seek an individual to blame in times of difficulty, simplifying the discourse to target one person can be misleading. The NEC, the backbone of SAFA's administrative structure, should not be overlooked. Fix Football #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ SAFA found itself in the spotlight recently as it faced an inquiry by the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture into its governance structure, specifically focusing on the compensation of NEC members and the committee's overwhelming size. The portfolio committee hastened to add that FIFA has already recommended that SAFA reduce the size of the NEC. The parliamentary session opened heated discussions regarding the controversial honorariums received by NEC members. Critics argue that, while football faces numerous systemic issues, the financial remunerations for these officials are excessive. With growing frustration among fans and stakeholders regarding the state of South African football, the perception of a lavish payment system has angered many, who are clamouring for better investment in grassroots football and coaching initiatives. Furthermore, the composition of the NEC, consisting of a staggering 48 members, has drawn sharp criticism. Described as the largest governing body among any national sports association, questions have arisen concerning the efficiency and productivity of such a large committee. Everything unacceptable about SAFA has unprecedented repercussions for national teams. The core of these problems lies in a significant lack of corporate support and sponsorship. The absence of robust financial backing has severely impeded SAFA's ability to adequately compensate national teams and their players, often leading to delays in payments that have sparked unrest within the ranks. This financial instability does not simply end with players. It extends to SAFA's capacity to hire top-tier coaches who can elevate the standards of South African football. In the absence of stable funding, SAFA finds itself unable to secure the expertise that is paramount for the success of its teams. The ramifications of inadequate corporate support manifest not only in the players' performance but also in the overall infrastructure surrounding the sport. With insufficient funds flowing into the organisation, vital structures that underpin the development, training, and strategic planning for teams are grossly underfunded. The lack of resources to develop youth academies, run effective training camps, and provide essential welfare for players hampers efforts to nurture local talent and build a robust footballing future. As other nations invest heavily in their footballing structures, South African football risks being left behind. The paradox lies in a sport that has the potential to unite and inspire a nation, yet struggles to achieve basic operational support from the corporate sector. As these challenges continue to unfold, there is an urgent call to action for local businesses and corporate entities to recognise the value of investing in the future of South African football. Partnerships and sponsorships could provide a lifeline not only to SAFA but also to a generation of young players who see football as a pathway to greatness. The time is now for stakeholders to come together to foster a sustainable environment where football can thrive, and with it, the pride of a nation.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
#LetsFixSAFootball: Siwelele United move highlights South Africa's troubling club ownership trend
Seema Lehlohonolo was announced as the head coach of Siwelele United this pat weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Calvin le John, the son of South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has added his name to a long list of businessmen who have followed their passion for football by acquiring the status of an elite league club. In purchasing SuperSport United — whom he has since renamed Siwelele United — Le John follows in the footsteps of numerous wealthy individuals who have taken advantage of South African football's disturbingly lax club ownership policies, which have contributed to the demise of several historically significant teams. #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Le John's decision to take over SuperSport's status is actually an attempt to resurrect Bloemfontein Celtic, a club that vanished from the professional ranks after its status was sold. Unable to reclaim the original name, he has opted for 'Siwelele United FC', adopting the moniker most associated with Celtic in a bid to attract the club's passionate fanbase. But the critical question now is: which path will Le John follow? Will he emulate Patrice Motsepe, under whose stewardship Mamelodi Sundowns have become a continental powerhouse? For the city. For the people. Welcome, Coach 💚⚪#SiweleleFC — Siwelele Football Club (@Siwelele_FC) July 20, 2025 Or will he discover, like Max Tshabalala — who once owned Celtic before selling the club — that football in South Africa is rarely a lucrative business? Matshelane Mamabolo reflects on the chequered history of South African club takeovers and how they have often ended in disappointment or outright disaster. Bidvest Wits to Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila For close on a century, Wits University FC were a pillar of South African football, achieving milestones such as winning the 1978 Mainstay Cup by defeating Kaizer Chiefs in the first integrated domestic final. Wits produced top talents, including Gary Bailey, who went on to play for Manchester United, and remained competitive over the decades, claiming titles such as the BP Top 8, JPS, Coca-Cola Cup, and Nedbank Cup. Their final flourish came under coach Gavin Hunt, with a Premiership title to their name. But when corporate sponsors Bidvest pulled out of football, the club's status was sold to businessman Lawrence Mulaudzi, who rebranded it as Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). His reign lasted just seven months — player salaries went unpaid, and he soon sold the franchise to what became Marumo Gallants. And so, a giant of the local game quietly disappeared. Mpumalanga Black Aces to Cape Town City Founded in 1937 and originally known as Witbank Black Aces, Amazayoni played an iconic role in South African football, producing legends such as Thomas 'Junior' Ngobe, Steve 'Disco' Makua, Amos 'Heel Extension' Mkhari and goalkeeper Cyprian 'Mahala' Mainame. They were runners-up in the 1983 Mainstay Cup final (a controversial loss to Moroka Swallows) and lifted the BobSave Super Bowl in 1993 with a dramatic injury-time winner against Kaizer Chiefs. The club underwent multiple ownership changes before John Comitis purchased their franchise in 2016, relocated it to Cape Town and rebranded it as Cape Town City. The club made a strong start in the elite league, winning the Telkom Knockout in their debut season, but were relegated via the play-offs at the end of the most recent campaign. Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM Doomed from the outset, Royal AM's purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic's status was shrouded in controversy. After failing to secure promotion through conventional means, Shaun Mkhize took the oft-travelled route and bought Celtic's status from a financially struggling Max Tshabalala. However, the union of showbiz and professional football quickly soured. Mkhize's failure to honour Samir Nurković's contract resulted in a Fifa transfer ban. Matters deteriorated further when the club was sanctioned by the South African Revenue Service, leading to suspension and eventual expulsion from the league last season. It was a deeply embarrassing episode for the PSL, who ended the campaign one team short — and a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter regulations around club sales and ownership. Moroka Swallows FC to Marumo Gallants Before the formation of Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows were one half of the original Soweto Derby, alongside Orlando Pirates. The Dube Birds were a powerhouse of South African football and played in the top flight until their relegation in the 2014/15 season. They had an illustrious cup pedigree, winning the FA Cup under all its iterations — Mainstay Cup, BobSave Super Bowl, Absa Cup and Nedbank Cup — and claimed the Top 8 title three times. Having fallen into the amateur ranks, a resurrection attempt was led by former Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, who acquired the status of Maccabi FC. He could not initially use the Swallows name due to outstanding debts under FIFA supervision. Once the branding was restored, the revived Swallows competed admirably at first. However, when Lesufi became Gauteng Premier and stepped away from the club, its fortunes waned. Financial struggles meant players went unpaid, and Swallows could not complete their fixtures in 2023. The club eventually sold its status to Marumo Gallants.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs boss Motaung warns: No room in the PSL for 'Tata ma chance, tata ma millions'
KAIZER chiefs owner Kaizer Motaung Snr. speaking at Wits University has suggested the PSL become more stringent with issuing of PSL statuses. | KaizerChiefs Image: @KaizerChiefs KAIZER Motaung, the revered founder of Kaizer Chiefs FC, has urged the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to implement stringent regulations surrounding the buying and selling of club statuses. As the architect of one of Africa's most iconic football clubs, Motaung's insights carry weight, especially in an era where financial instability has led to the untimely demise of several teams within the league. In a bold statement that resonates with both the challenges and potential of South African football, Motaung said in an interview with City Press newspaper that the volatility of club status transactions is detrimental to the integrity and sustainability of the game. 'The problem in our football might be a question of this thing of changing ownership… becoming a problem.' #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading This directly references the fate of clubs like Wits, which faced financial hardships that eventually led to their sale and subsequent disappearance from the league structure. 'Maybe Wits would not have been sold had they not had financial challenges,' Motaung said, stressing the need for clubs to be financially viable before ownership changes hands. Drawing from his extensive experience, Motaung indicated that the PSL must create a framework that prevents individuals with sudden wealth from making impulsive decisions that could destabilise the league. 'We probably have to bring stringent rules that make it difficult for people just to come in, just because they have acquired some money somewhere (like winning the Lotto), then they buy a club status,' he urged. Such measures could protect the identity and legacy of longstanding clubs that have played pivotal roles in South African football history. As Motaung expressed, the ideal regulations would discourage opportunistic buyers and establish a more robust and sustainable football landscape. He suggested a need for systemic changes that ensure any owner who wishes to enter the league possesses both the financial acumen and a lasting commitment to uphold the sport's traditions. 'Football has to come up with something that will make it stronger and stable so that we don't have these loopholes where any Tom, Dick and Harry... buys a club status and then comes into the league,' he explained. Interestingly, Motaung's connection to the game runs deep, with his son, Kaizer Junior, having progressed through the ranks of the Wits Academy before embarking on a career abroad. This family legacy underscores the importance of nurturing talent and loyalty within football, contrasting sharply with the fate of clubs that vanish after being hastily bought. As Motaung poignantly concluded, maintaining the dual challenges of performance on the pitch while ensuring sound business practices is imperative for the future of South African football. 'It should be difficult, not only on the field but also off the field on the business side of things,' he remarked. His call to action stands not just as a plea for reform but as a vision for a healthier, more stable footballing environment where clubs can thrive and honour their legacies.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
We want to retain our Premiership status not sell it, says Orbit coach
Letsie Koapeng (left) runs to celebrate with Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye after scoring against Cape Town City during the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs last month. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye has made it clear that the club's main goal in their debut season in the top flight is to secure their Premiership status by the end of the campaign. Orbit were one of two teams from the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) to earn promotion to the Premiership. Their journey to the top came through sheer determination, having edged out two tough opponents—Casric Stars and Cape Town City—in the promotion play-offs. Now, with their eyes set on competing at the highest level, Makhoye believes that sticking to what already works is the best approach. #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Mswenko Boys clinched the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs at their first attempt after finishing second in the league, five points behind champions Durban City. After ending the 2023/24 season in ninth place, Orbit had set a top-three target for the following campaign—a goal they successfully achieved. As they prepare for life in the Premiership, Makhoye emphasised that their immediate aim is to survive the drop. 'We want to save our status and remain in the Premiership,' Makhoye told Independent Newspapers. The long-serving coach, who has been with the club since its inception, confirmed he will remain in charge. He stated that much of what the team has been doing will stay unchanged despite the promotion. 'Nothing changes; we have beaten a PSL team, and the training will remain the same. We have been running this team professionally since the ABC Motsepe League. 'It's only the league that changes, and we are just happy that we have moved from the NFD to the Premier League. 'Nothing will change; the same players who promoted us will compete in the Premiership. We proved it when we played against Cape Town City. 'We have also played friendly games with Premiership teams—Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. We will have the same players, coach, technical team, and stadium.' Orbit are currently on a short break following a demanding play-off schedule and are expected to resume training in the coming week. They have already moved swiftly to secure the services of former midfielder Monnapule Saleng on loan from Pirates. The club's promotion marks the return of top-flight football to the North West province for the first time since the relegation of Platinum Stars. Makhoye expressed pride in giving local fans a chance to experience elite football close to home. 'We are used to the feeling of being a professional side in the province,' Makhoye continued. 'At least for the past two years we have known that we are a professional team, so this will not be new to us—even in our thinking. 'It is just about changing the league, but they are all governed by the PSL; we just have to remain humble. 'We want to ensure that we retain our status and remain in the league, as we did in the MFC. 'We will also bring top-flight games to the North West province because many people wanted to see Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns coming to the province. So we are happy and proud of ourselves.'
