SEDIBENG.- Sedibeng Ster Sport takes a look at the football journey of another local football administrator from the Vaal.

Former SAFA President, Dr Molefi Oliphant, needs no introduction in South African football. To date, he and the late George Thabe were the most decorated football administrators to have come from the Vaal.

Oliphant rose to stardom in South African football after he succeeded Solomon ‘Stix’ Morewa as SAFA President. Not only that, but Oliphant started his football administration at amateur or club level. Apart from being a football administrator, Oliphant was a talented soccer player who played for the now-defunct Early Birds from Bophelong.

The club was a household name in the Vaal Triangle, competing against the likes of Bophelong Terrors FC, who were their bitter rivals. For example, everything would come to a standstill whenever these two teams played against each other.

It was a local derby!

He was one of the best goalkeepers of his era, and also a top goalkeeper at school level for Jordaan High School. In fact, during those days, Jordaan High School had great players who played in the top-flight football. Oliphant made a name for himself in South African football as one of the best administrators not only in the country, but on the continent.

South Africa hosted a successful 2010 World Cup under his leadership as SAFA President. No doubt, this will remain the highlight of his football career.  However, before he served football at the highest level, he started here in the Vaal as the SAFA Vaal President.

It is important to note that he was not only a football administrator, but also a teacher, principal, and Director of Education. He was the man with vision who had all the time in the world to study and be involved in football.

Oliphant is still passionate about football, and he said this sport taught him a lot about education.

He said football and education go together.

However, football later became his top priority when he became SAFA President in the 1990s. He’s still involved not only in football but also in hosting the Vaal River City Marathon every year in September.

This is one of the biggest sporting events in the Vaal, with athletes all over the country coming to participate in this marathon.

He is the SAFA Lifetime President and served in some football committees, either in advisory or participatory roles.

Vaal used to host high-profile football events such as the Four Nations Tournament under his leadership.