PSL @ 30: Kerr's message to Dr. Irvin Khoza critics
by Sipho Mlotha · KickOffFormer Baroka FC coach Dylan Kerr says the Premier Soccer League would be just like the other leagues around Africa if it were not for one prominent figure in the Mayfair headquarters.
With the League celebrating 30 years this season, Kerr highlights areas where he believes improvements can still be made.
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"I remember when I joined Arcadia back in 1986, the PSL merged with the NSL. I recall a certain chairman, whose name I can't remember, went to the field to protest because he didn't want the merger of the two leagues," shares Kerr, speaking to KickOff.
"When we played in the NSL, it was a very good league with many talented teams. Mlungisi Ngubane was, for me, the maestro, just like Jomo Sono and Ace Ntsoelengoe.
"And now we have the PSL. We have to thank Dr. Irvin Khoza because without him, the league wouldn't be where it is today. Unfortunately, the standard of football has declined, the support base has decreased, and we don't see many games played in these magnificent World Cup stadiums.
"I know my former chairman David Thidiela has raised concerns about Dr. Irvin Khoza and the PSL, but again, look in the mirror before judging others, then things will improve.
"AmaZulu FC should be performing better than they are now; Cape Town City should never have been relegated; Cape Town Spurs and Black Leopards are practically non-existent – all because due diligence is not being done.
“They believe they know the answers and the best scenarios, but they don't listen to the right people. They fail due to poor management, bad recruitment, and bad decisions.
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"We have lost teams like Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic, which is a huge loss for South African football. SAFA and the PSL should collaborate to build a stronger football fraternity.
"To celebrate 30 years of the PSL, we want to see youth participation and players of diverse backgrounds. Let football grow, because the bottom five teams are always the same teams," adds the outspoken coach, who has managed teams like Moroka Swallows and Marumo Gallants, among others.