Monyepao ‘not blind’ to challenges as Safa CEO

THE SA Football Association moved swiftly in appointing an immediate replacement CEO following the departure of Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe.

The governing body has handed former COO Lydia Monyepao the vacant CEO slot in an attempt to forge a progressive plan for the association’s immediate targets.

Monyepao, who has represented the country in various sporting codes and international competitions, has also worked within the organisation in numerous capacities, and will slot right into the plans for South Africa’s bid for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The 42-year-old Monyepao stated that although she was wary about the kind of task before her, she has the necessary skills, experience and pedigree to fulfil these duties.

“It is big shoes that I am filling, and I have to hit the ground running. I am capable of hitting the ground running – I will accept the task and take the work forward,” she told the media.

She further added: “I am not naïve in terms of what is required for this job. I know the challenges that surround any CEO of the South African Football Association … I am not blind to that.

“But as indicated, no job is easy, and you have to take it as it comes and apply what you are good at, and what you are capable of.

“Thank you very much to the president (Danny Jordaan) and to the Safa NEC (national executive council) for having confidence in me and my abilities.

“My CV will show you in terms of my previous experience and my education, so I believe I am capable of this.”

Monyepao becomes the seventh Safa CEO since 2010, and the first woman to hold the position on a permanent basis (Pinky Lehoko once held the post on a temporary basis).

She will look to leave a lasting legacy as she follows in the footsteps of the likes of Leslie Sedibe, Robin Petersen, Dennis Mumble, Gay Mokoena, Russell Paul and Motlanthe.

Monyepao will also take great confidence in the fact that Motlanthe, who was present in the media briefing, revealed that he was abdicating the position in good faith, and pledged his support for the association’s future endeavours.

“I don’t have any bad blood with anyone, including the president. We worked very well with the president. He has been a father and he has guided me. It is just a personal decision that I have taken,” he stated.

“I support the bid for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup. We started with the process with me being there, and I’m not divorcing myself from it. I will continue to support it from the outside.”