Khoza explains why Madlala has stayed on as acting PSL CEO

Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza says Mato Madlala’s long tenure as acting chief executive is justified by her understanding of the league’s clubs and the wider professional football environment.

Madlala has held the position since 11 November 2015, when she replaced Brand de Villiers. More than a decade later, she remains acting PSL CEO while also serving as chairperson of Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Her dual role has repeatedly attracted scrutiny. David Thidiela, the owner of Black Leopards, was the latest club figure to question the arrangement publicly, arguing that club owners should not occupy administrative positions within the league.

Khoza, however, said Madlala’s knowledge of the PSL and its clubs was a significant asset. He also rejected the suggestion that the chief executive independently controls the league’s major decisions, pointing to governance arrangements designed 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.”

Khoza’s comments represent his first public explanation of why Madlala has remained in the acting role for so long. He said the decision was not accidental, but reflected the value the PSL places on continuity and institutional experience.

The chairman also stressed that the league’s executive includes several club chairpersons by design. Their involvement, he said, helps ensure that decisions about fixtures, finances and other league matters are considered through an understanding of the consequences for all clubs.

Madlala’s position has therefore continued despite questions about the combination of her PSL responsibilities and her role at Lamontville Golden Arrows. Khoza’s defence focuses on the league’s collective governance model, rather than allowing the CEO to act as the sole authority on its operations.