Mathekga is POLFA’s new chairperson

THE former Vodacom League (now ABC Motsepe League) provincial coordinator Peter Mathekga was on Sunday elected the new chairperson of the Polokwane Local Football Association (Polfa) during their annual general meeting which was held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium’s Koos Smit Hall.

Five votes was enough to separate Mathekga from former chairperson Jacky Mogashoa who was pursuing another term.

The annual general meeting was not spared from controversy.

Over 20 clubs, including women and development clubs were denied access to the hall despite their good standing with the association. Peace United FC, Limpopo Sports School of Excellence and Kanatla Ladies were some of the clubs which were left out in the cold because “their names did not appear in the accreditation register”.

With 69 clubs represented in the hall, the quorum was met and the meeting commenced two hours late, with Tlou Langa from Limpopo Sports Confederation presiding over the election process.

South African Football Association (Safa) Capricorn Region president Abel Rakoma and Thamakga Mokgophi sat as observers.

In his address as the newly-appointed chairperson, Mathekga said he was humbled by the responsibility given to him by club owners in the Polokwane area.

He said the new committee would hit the ground running to repay the faith bestowed in them.

“We would like to see more women in football structures but this will only happen if women show themselves and stand up and be counted. We will also look at the inclusion of masters and legends,” Mathekga said.

Asked how he planned to prevent the chaos that preceded the annual general meeting, Mathekga said the chaos was caused by late planning and the late implementation of the plan.

“The new committee will improve the planning and be more accountable to the clubs.

If you ask me how long I intend to spend time as chairperson I would say just one term – in just four years I want to do my best and improve Polfa the best way possible,” the outspoken Mathekga said.

Mathekga and his committee face a daunting task of bringing money in to the cash-strapped Polfa.

The association has no office and clubs have played for a long time without registration cards.

The new Polfa executive committee: Mathekga (chairperson), Marnold Mabotja and Maria Mashilela (vice-chairpersons), Steve Meso and Freddy Mohale (secretaries), Alpheus Mashamaite (treasurer) and four additional members, Solomon Manyane, Mahero Mamabolo, Merium Legodi and Jerry Rabohlale.