A former Orlando Pirates legend has thrown his weight behind the next generation of South African football leadership, suggesting that Nkosana Khoza and Jessica Motaung should take over the reins of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Despite retaining his position as PSL chairman, Irvin Khoza's advanced age has raised questions about his long-term future. Similarly, Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung, who also returned to the PSL exco, is also nearing the twilight of his career.
In light of this, Mhlongo, a former Pirates defender, believes that Nkosana Khoza and Jessica Motaung are well-positioned to assume leadership roles in the PSL.
Both individuals have been actively involved in the administration of their respective clubs and have gained valuable experience under the tutelage of their fathers.
MHLONGO – WHY JESSICA AND NKOSANA MUST LEAD PSL IN FUTURE
“I want to congratulate the chairman, and I was happy to hear that they are planning to find a successor,” Mhlongo told KickOff.
“There are already candidates that they are grooming: Jessica and Nkosana. I know there will be political questions about why it has to be those two.
“David Thidiela stated that he is tired and decided to withdraw from the elections.
“Who is currently in our football administration? The Motaungs and the Khozas. If I look at the history of South African football, there are about five teams that have sponsorship deals: Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, and recently, Richards Bay.
“I don't remember Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates going a full season without a sponsorship.
“To run the PSL, we need someone who knows how to attract big corporates, like the current chairman does. Even in difficult times, he has managed to secure sponsorships.
“Without the monthly PSL grant, our football will not survive. The PSL is the only black-owned company that is running successfully, and we should acknowledge that.
“We need someone in that office who understands the dynamics of the industry. Only those within the organization can truly grasp these dynamics.
“This is not a government institution; it's a company that relies on Dr. Khoza and Dr.
Motaung. If they believe their children should take over, then so be it. I fully support that. We cannot afford to gamble with this institution, as long as our game does not come under siege.
“Some people are selling their teams because they thought running a football club was easy. They are struggling to pay players, and there are long queues of contract issues. None of my fellow ex-players can run this institution; we don't even have teams because we can't manage them, let alone the league.
“We don't need that. The children of Khoza and Motaung understand better because they are involved. Nkosana is currently running Pirates as we speak.”
