Matthews named new PSL chief

Stanley Matthews has been appointed as the new CEO of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Matthews takes over from Zola Majavu, who quit in October due to ‘fundamental differences’.

Majavu could not accept that the powers to appoint the chief operating officer, the chief financial officer and head of legal rested with the executive committee of the league and not the CEO.

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza says Matthews is well aware of his powers as CEO.

Matthews, who was director of football at SuperSport United, will commence his duties on February 1 2012.

He has a wealth of experience in football, having served in the PSL executive committee for the past five years.

“Mr Matthews’ record speaks for itself. He has been with SuperSport United for the past 12 years; he is one of the well rounded sport administrators in this country,” Khoza said.

“We all know how he successfully transformed SuperSport United – from a side that was languishing at the bottom of the League to champions. We know this was a collective effort, but Stanley Matthews was central to that.”

“We decided to look inside the PSL because we believe we have people who have the talent and expertise to be successful in the job.”

Matthews expressed his delight at landing the job, for which Golden Arrows boss Mato Madlala, Ajax Cape Town director John Comitis, former PSL general manager Ace Ncobo and current PSL general manager of football Derek Blanckensee, were all considered.

“This is a day of many emotions for me,” Matthew said.

“I’m humbled, excited, but most importantly I’m appreciative to the chairman and the executive committee for giving me an opportunity to be the CEO of the most successful league in Africa.”