Irvin Khoza Addresses Accusations of ‘Owning Football’: ‘Their team is not doing well’

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman and long-time football administrator Dr. Irvin Khoza has responded to persistent accusations that he “owns” and “rules” South African football, particularly the PSL.

The chairperson of Orlando Pirates, one of the country's most historic and celebrated clubs, Khoza has been a central figure in the sport for decades, leading key initiatives like the successful bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

However, his prominent role has often led to questions about his influence, with some critics suggesting that his decisions as PSL chairman favour his own club, Orlando Pirates.

During a recent interview, Dr. Khoza directly addressed these allegations, attributing them to the frustrations of supporters whose teams are underperforming. 

“Just because they are supporters and their team is not doing well, they think it is Irvin Khoza,” he stated, questioning the logic behind such claims during the interview the iDiski Times.

He challenged his detractors to provide evidence for their assertions, asking, “How do they arrive at that? What informs that?”

Dr. Khoza highlighted the structured governance of the PSL, pointing out the multiple layers of leadership that would make a single person's dominance impossible. 

“How do I do that when there’s an executive committee of 10 people? There’s a board of governors made up of the representatives of the 32 clubs,” he explained.

He noted that despite the constant stream of criticism from some quarters, there has never been a formal motion of no confidence against him from the clubs themselves.

The PSL chairman suggested that the root of these claims lies in personal dissatisfaction and a deliberate attempt to undermine his reputation. 

KHOZA – ‘SOMEONE IS UNHAPPY & TRYING TO SPREAD LIES’

He believes these rumors are being spread by individuals who are “unhappy and trying to spread lies or diminish my name.”

Dr. Khoza's career is marked by significant milestones in South African football. As the chairperson of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, he played a crucial role in ensuring the country fulfilled its promises to FIFA and hosted a successful tournament. 

He also chaired the bid team that secured the hosting rights for the event. His deep involvement in the sport has made him a powerful and recognizable figure, but it has also made him a target for those seeking to explain their teams' failures.