by Lonwabo Busakwe
I would like to congratulate Dr Patrice Motsepe on his victory and election as the president of Confederation of African Football. While at Mamelodi Sundowns as the president, Motsepe demonstrated good leadership and management skills.
Well, the position is for the leadership and, of course, transformation, growth and betterment of African football, which in my view needs strong leadership and capable people of Motsepe’s calibre. However, there is an ancient saying – “charity begins at home”.
As much as there is a mammoth challenge that needs urgent attention, I strongly feel he must start with South African football before giving attention to the continent. For years in the DStv Premiership there has been a law or rule of play-offs that once the season has finished, the last two teams in the log play with those from the first division.
It is that rule that Motsepe must stretch out in our football and he must address this with the Premier Soccer League, or even Safa should there be a need. This controversial and astonishing law has been a huge debate among football lovers for years, and I trust that Motsepe can solve this because he has led with excellence in the past.
As there are 16 teams in our league, it is vital that the last teams, numbers 15 and 16, should go straight to the first division, should the season end with them in those positions. The play-offs deny our football growth, which is a waste of time, resources and energy.
I trust and believe Motsepe will give this attention and set a new rule of law in the PSL, or give direction, because our football must grow and compete among the best in the world. Then he can focus on continental football, which also needs urgent attention.
* Lonwabo Busakwe, Driftsands, Mfuleni.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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