Dr Irvin Khoza’s Bold Statement on PSL Chairmanship Sparks Debate

• In a viral video on X, Dr Irvin Khoza declared that the PSL bank account would be emptied to deter opportunists from contesting the chairmanship
• Khoza defended the move as a strategy to ensure only committed leaders, not those chasing financial gain, seek to lead the league
• His comments sparked intense debate on social media, with some praising his tough stance and others questioning the ethics and transparency of the approach

In a viral video circulating on X, Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has made a dramatic declaration about the financial state of the organisation and the motives of those eyeing his position.

Known for his strategic mind and no-nonsense leadership style, Khoza made it clear that anyone wanting to contest the PSL chairmanship should not expect a cash-rich organisation.

“Whoever wants to contest the position of PSL chairmanship will find the PSL bank without a cent. We will empty it,”

Khoza said in the video.

“The moment we declare profits and have money sitting in the bank, people will scramble for the position. Any person who gets there must find an empty bank and prove himself to us by raising the money. We must make the position unattractive for people with wrong motives.”

A Chairman who rewrote the PSL’s fortunes

Irvin Khoza, who took over the reins of the PSL in 1997, is credited with turning South African football into a lucrative enterprise. Under his stewardship, the league signed major sponsorship deals and television rights that made it one of the most financially stable leagues on the continent.

His iron grip on football administration and strategic business decisions earned him the nickname "The Iron Duke." While some have criticised his leadership style as autocratic, many acknowledge his role in professionalising the game in post-apartheid South Africa.

The debate around leadership

Khoza’s recent remarks have sparked mixed reactions on X. Some users applauded his approach, arguing that it would deter opportunists seeking power for financial gain. Others, however, questioned whether such a tactic discourages transparency and succession planning in South African football.

“Only Irvin Khoza can say something this gangster and still be respected,” one user commented.

“This is why we need new leadership. You don’t solve greed by emptying the bank,” wrote another.

“Honestly? It’s smart. You want the seat? Earn it,” read another post.

As South African football evolves, so too does the conversation around its leadership. Whether one agrees or not, Dr Khoza has once again shown why he remains one of the most influential — and polarising — figures in the game.

Khoza re-elected chairperson of National Soccer League (NSL)

Dr Irvin Khoza was re-elected as Chairperson of the National Soccer League (NSL) at the Quadrennial General Meeting held on November 14, 2024, in Sandton, Johannesburg.

In his acceptance speech, Khoza spoke about the need to restructure the league's financial framework to ensure fairer returns for clubs that bear high costs to host events.

He expressed his displeasure with the current structure, where clubs fund events that stimulate local economies, yet municipalities do not reinvest in the league.

Khoza highlighted the disparity in funding between domestic and international events, noting that major global sports events receive government backing, ensuring their profitability.

However, one major highlight of the Quadrennial General Meeting last year was Khoza taking time to celebrate Dr Kaizer Motaung who was celebrating his 80th birthday.

The Pirates chairman presented the Kaizer Chiefs chairman with an R2 million birthday gift, tagging it as a 'spoil yourself' gift.

Khoza and Motaung are both members of the National Soccer League and were instrumental in creating the Premier Soccer League 28 years ago.

Dr Irvin Khoza opens up on VAR

Briefly News previously reported that Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has broken his silence on the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in South African football.

In a recent media address, Khoza confirmed that the PSL had been ready to introduce VAR since 2022, but the delay now lies with the South African Football Association (SAFA), who are responsible for the referees.

While Multichoice initially offered to support the rollout, the project is now off their table and in SAFA's hands. Khoza stated that the league is still committed to the idea and is waiting for SAFA’s directive to proceed.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Source: Briefly News