CAPE TOWN: South Africa —
SOUTH AFRICA’S transition from Apartheid to the post 1994 order was mered with all sorts of possibilities.
Chief among them, was the question of women empowerment.
In particular black women, who suffered Apartheid and colonial oppression more than any other group, first because of their race, and because of their gender.
So when the first allrace elections had taken place in 1994, the onus was now on those elected to lead the country, to embrark South Africa in redressing the imbalances of the past from all societal levels.
Although opinions may vary as to whether or not, the levelling of the playing fields as been achieved or it is still a case of ‘a work in progress’, the debate continues.
Either way, there are still stories of inspiration.
And one such story is that of Mato Madlala.
Madlala is the owner and chairman of Lamontville Golden Arrows, a South African Premier Soccer League football club based in Durban, KZN.
She revived the club (then called Ntokozo FC) in 1996 and registered it in 2001 with her late brother, Rocky Madlala, who died in 2007.
Mato is continuing to influence and shape the ‘Beautiful Game’ with her outspokenness on important matters facing the game and as a businesswoman, she has managed to break out in a male-dominated industry
Madlala was born in Lamontville, South Durban.
She was born and grew up in a family that was football-oriented.
Madlala was appointed as acting CEO of the PSL on 11 November 2015, this was after the departure of then CEO, Brand de Villiers.
She has been the interim CEO ever since.
This is a more extended period than any permanent CEO has held since 2011.
And in that period the PSL became the richest league in Africa and part of the top 10 soccer leagues in the world.
The PSL has also gone on to being the most sponsored football league in the world, according to experts.
PSL chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza had earlier commented that Madlala had not been made the permanent CEO because she has other duties and the CEO position is demanding.
“One has to renounce other positions to become permanent CEO. She has so far been doing well.”
However, Madlala ‘s appointment was questioned because it brings about conflict of interest given she has a club playing in the premier.
And in her defence, Madlala said she did not put herself forward for the role but was appointed by the PSL executive.
Madlala is a director of nine companies.
She also has holdings in Malibuye Maintenance Services and Initiatives Project Management and also in Luvu technologies.
Abafana Bes’thende (The Backheel Boys), as her club Golden Arrows is popularly known, had been without a sponsor for more than five years.
In 2019, Madlala remarked, “Sponsors only come in to benefit from the franchise while the club gains a fraction from the partnership.”
She added that her club does not need that kind of arrangement as she can handle the responsibility.
Mama Madlala is clearly a Role Model for many aspiring entrepreneurs, football administrators and leaders of society!
Her work and accomplishments are a testimony to the power of hard work, discipline, dedication and determination.
Safa, Cosafa, Caf and Fifa would do well to pay close attention to this talent in the mission of growing the ‘Beautiful Game’ in all areas of the world and ensuring soccer is a game for all people, and that it empowers all people across the globe.
Mato Madlala Photo By TimesLIVE
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