Ramaphosa pays tribute to PSL, hails Soweto Derby as a national heritage

The PSL offices in Parktown were a hive of activity this morning as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a visit to Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.

The visit provided an opportunity for the President to engage with football leadership, acknowledge the PSL’s contribution to South African sport and discuss key issues affecting the game, including stadium safety, the Soweto Derby and the introduction of VAR technology.

Ramaphosa praised the Premier Soccer League for its contribution to South African football, describing it as the best-administered sporting competition on the African continent and a vital driver of national morale.

We are here 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 sporting code.

Ramaphosa also congratulated the league on trademarking the Soweto Derby, which he described as one of the biggest football rivalries on the continent and globally.

With South Africa heading to the polls on November 4, PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza used the occasion to encourage South Africans, particularly football supporters, to participate in the elections.

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

He indicated that the PSL was supportive of the introduction of VAR and prepared to support its implementation, provided the necessary systems were in place and could operate effectively.

Ramaphosa’s visit provided an opportunity to recognise the PSL’s contribution to the country’s sporting landscape while placing the spotlight on important issues facing South African football, including stadium safety.