Thidiela calls on Ramaphosa to launch PSL inquiry
Black Leopards president David Thidiela has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into the Premier Soccer League (PSL), claiming South African football is in crisis.
Thidiela made the call during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, where Black Leopards provided an update on their ongoing legal battle to retain their Motsepe Foundation Championship status. The Limpopo club is currently fighting both the PSL and the South African Football Association (SAFA) over the alleged withholding of player registration cards, which forced Leopards to play the opening four matches of last season without several new signings.
After unsuccessful appeals through the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber, SAFA Arbitration and the Johannesburg High Court, the club has taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
Speaking at the briefing, Thidiela said South African football needs an independent judicial inquiry similar to the Madlanga Commission.
“I don’t know where our league is going. I think it needs the Madlanga Commission,” said Thidiela. “If the Madlanga Commission can do what they are doing now, football will go back to where it is supposed to be. We think we know better than everybody in football, and until that changes, nothing will improve.”
He also urged Ramaphosa to intervene, saying football belongs to all South Africans.
“I think the State president has to get involved in this football because it belongs to all of us. If we get that, football will get back to where it belongs.
“Referees are the owners of this league. Where do you report them? Something is wrong with us, and we need introspection. A Madlanga Commission will help us. It is not only Black Leopards who are being pushed out of football,” he added.
