PSL
New PSL CEO: I know the game
2011-12-08 20:28
Stanley Matthews (Backpage)
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Johannesburg - Stanley Matthews believes his years of experience as a football administrator, particularly in the national league structures, will stand him in good stead as the head of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Matthews, who gave up his post as SuperSport United general manager to take up the position, was named CEO of the PSL on Thursday.
"I have a firm understanding of where we're coming from, and where we're going to, but I don't want to fix anthing that's not broken," Matthews said.
"The clubs will have a chance early next year to meet with us and address any concerns or problems they may have."
Matthews replaces Zola Majavu, who stepped down from the post in October, less than two months after taking office, and PSL chairman Irvin Khoza said he would start his three-year term in February.
"I'm emotional, humble and excited, but most of all I'm appreciative," Matthews said.
"I appreciate that the chairman and the executive committee have the confidence to appoint me as the CEO of a top brand - the No 1 league on the continent."
Khoza said the appointment of Matthews, 42, was part of a rebuilding process within the league.
"A lot of us [PSL officials] have only five or six years left, then we're gone," Khoza said.
"We need to start planning for the future and bringing youth into the PSL.
"We also need to keep up with the trends in international football."
Matthews, a former director of football at SuperSport United - three-time league winners in the last four seasons - and also sat on the PSL and SA Football Association executive committees.
Khoza believed Matthews's expereince would give him the tools he needed to lead the organisation.
"Mr Matthews has a great knowledge of football, he's very atriculate, and I think he will bring more value to the PSL after holding a number of positions in the league," he said.