May 9 – South African football has been rocked by the sudden resignation of Tebogo Motlanthe, the CEO of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
In a statement, SAFA acknowledged but gave no reasons for Motlanthe’s sudden resignation. “The relationship between Safa and advocate Motlanthe remains cordial, and there is no animosity between the two parties,” said the statement.
“Safa remains focused on South Africa’s bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and will also finalise discussions around all of the regulatory requirements needed to pursue the global event. Banyana Banyana’s road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July will also be discussed, as well as the appointment of an acting Safa CEO.”
Motlanthe had been appointed in January 2021 replacing Gay Mokoena. Lydia Monyepao will become the first woman to lead SAFA following the Motlanthe’s resignation. A former Banyana Banyana player, she is stepping up from the COO’s role
South African media have speculated that Motlanthe’s resignation comes as a consequence of the ongoing disputes between Safa and the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The PSL won’t attend the upcoming Safa congress.
SAFA have planned an emergency meeting to address the situation. The association is led by the longstanding football official Danny Jordaan.
“I said to the association that I will not be serving a month’s notice, I’m resigning with immediate effect, and as in my contract, they can then take my salary from that,” Motlanthe said. “I don’t have any bad blood with anyone including the president. I’ve worked well with the president, he has been a father and guided me. This is just a personal decision which I have taken.”
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