Booth: Only Radebe has a voice in SAFA

Cape Town - Bafana’s weak performance against Gambia last Saturday has had a lot of tongues wagging with regard to the issues that plague South African football. Matthew Booth believes that SAFA has too few ‘football people’.

Booth insists that his criticism of South African football and SAFA is always done in a constructive manner despite being villainised by many who don’t like his comments.

“In the past I have always tried to be constructive in my criticism but obviously people don’t take that in the right way sometimes,” he told Sport24.

The retired Bafana defender bemoaned the fact that ex-players are not afforded the chance to contribute to building the game in South Africa. 

“Unfortunately SAFA doesn’t seem to encourage or welcome ex-players, especially players who are outspoken.

“But it is a pity that in a technical committee of 15 people we only have Lucas Radebe who actually has a voice there.

“He’s surrounded by businessmen who shouldn’t actually be on our technical committee.

“It is very difficult to get involved in structures when they are very protective of the environment, and they are protective for their own selfish means. So as ex-players we have to find different ways of giving back,” he concluded.

Booth is a big proponent of a grassroots approach to football development and is highly critical of employing quick-fix solutions.