Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has for the first time publicly explained why Mato Madlala has remained so long in her role as acting PSL CEO.
Madlala has been in her role over 10 years since replacing Brand de Villiers on 11 November 2015.
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Despite her longevity, there have been constant question marks around her double role, also being the chair lady of Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Black Leopards owner David Thidiela was the latest who publicly questioned Madlala’s role, saying club owners shouldn’t be holding admin roles in the league.
However, Dr Khoza has insisted Madlala’s “institutional knowledge” is important and not by chance. He also insisted the CEO alone has not the final sign-off in the PSL, with governance structures built to protect the institution.
“People must remember that we have had many CEO’s over the years. Every one of them arrived with promises and new ideas, but many of them struggled because they did not fully understand the dynamics of professional football,” he told Matshelane Mamabolo in an exclusive interview with iDiski Times.
“Some ended up being influenced by interests outside the league because we had no control over them. People ask why we have someone like Mato Madlala in the position, but they must understand the environment we operate in.
“She knows the clubs. She understands their struggles because she lives them every day. That institutional knowledge is important. When people talk about the CEO, they sometimes think that person runs everything alone.
“That is not how the PSL works. We have governance structures. Fixtures are not decided by the CEO alone. You cannot simply move a fixture because somebody feels like it. You have to consult clubs, broadcasters and everyone affected.
“Financial decisions also go through governance structures. The final sign-off is not even the CEO’s responsibility. In our executive we have several club chairpersons. That is deliberate because we believe people who have built and managed clubs understand the consequences of every decision taken by the league.
“An outsider can come with impressive presentations, but sometimes they are building their own empire rather than strengthening the institution. What we have always tried to protect is the institution. That is why continuity matters.
“The people may change, but the governance must remain. Mato understands that responsibility because she comes from the football environment and appreciates that every decision taken by the league has an impact on all the clubs.”