In the wake of the news about Dr. Irvin Khoza possibly stepping down as the PSL chairman, a veteran football administrator has suggested a possible solution.
Recent media reports have indicated that Khoza could be set to vacate his role as the PSL boss in the near future.
The Iron Duke, as Khoza is known in football circles, has been in charge of the since 2003.
Since the news of his possible departure broke, there have been concerns for many in the fraternity on how the league would do without him.
Also, there has been panic among sponsors and broadcast partners about Khoza's possible exit, according to sources.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns general manager, Peter Koutroulis, is hoping that Khoza will stand for at least one more term as the league's boss.
The Good
"I would like to state it clearly that it would be a mistake to allow Dr. Irivin Khoza to step down now as the chairman of the PSL. Dr. Khoza has made the South African league the most successful league in Africa. The PSL is one of the richest leagues and it's all thanks to Dr. Khoza and the efforts he has made over the years. The sponsors have huge trust on Dr. Khoza because he knows how to do his job. Each and every person have their own talents. Talent is something that one cannot buy, and it can't be taught. Talent is something that comes naturally. Nobody can have the same talent as Dr. Khoza. For many times, the PSL has had sponsorship problems, but Dr. Khoza has always managed to find solutions. I don't know how he does it but it always works. Dr. Khoza has a personality and for that many people respect him. Even if you can replace him with Patrice Motsepe, who has so many billions of rands, I don't think he can replace Dr. Khoza 100% successfully. Even Kaizer Motaung, I don't think he can replace Dr. Khoza. Yes, someone can take over and say he is replacing him, but the results won't be the same," said Koutroulis.
The Bad
"I don't think there is anyone who is ready to replace Dr. Khoza as the chairman of the league at the moment. In my 40 years of experience in football, I can tell you that nobody can replace Dr. Khoza and do the job the way he has done in the PSL," he said.
The Ugly
"Let's say Dr. Khoza does step down, you can see how many sponsors that would have a problem with continuing with their partnership with the league. I think it is still early for Dr. Khoza to step down and my suggestion would be for him to continue for another term at least. He can look for a candidate he feels would be his successor and allow that person to work closely with him for the duration of that next term I am suggesting. He can come up with the name of the person and let the board of governors know about his plans for that candidate. I hope the clubs can be with me on this and persuade Dr. Khoza to continue in his role for another term. Dr. Khoza's presence there is very important for the clubs, league and the sponsors," the veteran administrator added.
"There is the age factor that needs to be considered"
"Having said that, I do understand that there is the age factor that needs to be considered because he is 76 now. After the next term that I am suggesting, he can then retire. The person he would have groomed would have an idea of how things should be done although he wouldn't be like Dr. Khoza in doing the work," concluded Koutroulis.
Should Khoza continue as PSL chairman for another term?
