Khoza urges football fans to vote during Ramaphosa’s PSL visit

Premier Soccer League chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza has urged supporters to vote, warning that they cannot call for improved sports facilities while failing to use their ballots to hold government accountable.

Khoza made the appeal on Monday as President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the PSL headquarters in Parktown. The veteran football administrator said a strong turnout would give citizens greater influence over community development and the delivery of facilities.

“It’s emotional, because we are saying to our people all over the country, it’s very important for you to vote,” Khoza said.

“You cannot go to government to ask for facilities to be updated, and then not make it a point to make a statement in voting.

“If you vote in numbers, it gives credibility. A democracy that was well fought for is maintained by people who appreciate the care of having the right to vote. I’m going to be the first one in the morning to go and tick my box.”

Khoza’s comments came during a high-profile visit in which Ramaphosa praised the organisation and influence of South Africa’s domestic top flight.

The president described the PSL as the best-administered sporting competition on the African continent and said it played an important role in lifting the country’s morale.

“Just to pay tribute to the PSL for what they have achieved – they are the best organised league on the continent, running the most popular sport code,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa also referred to Nielsen measurements shown to him by Khoza, saying the league’s business could be understood through its impact on public happiness.

“The chairperson was showing me the Nielsen measurements. He says their business is the ‘happiness index’, that they deal in the happiness of the people. And that is so true,” Ramaphosa said.

“77 percent of South Africans who love sport are supporters of football. Football has always been the top code.”