Crunch day for BFL
Mqondisi Dube | Friday August 15, 2025 09:53
Kesitilwe left in a huff following a tense BFL annual general assembly in Palapye last month, which saw chief executive, Bennett Mamelodi also throw in the towel.
But Mamelodi, who has been serving notice and was due to leave office today, has been asked to stay put until a substantive candidate has been found.
Mamelodi would not confirm if he has had a change of heart regarding staying at the BFL but the new chairperson, to be elected today, is expected to spearhead the recruitment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Tensions are expected to run high as recent BFL gatherings stand as proof. Interim chairperson, Sipho Showa, has shown interest in assuming the post on a full-time basis.
'Yes, I have availed myself for the chairperson's position. However, if someone else is appointed, I will revert to my substantive role of Independent Non-Executive Director and continue to serve the league,' Showa said.
He said the board is working around the clock to finalise the recruitment of the CEO by the end of August.
Some of the names linked with the position include Olebile Sikwane, Sidney Magagane, Billy Sekgororoane and Mamelodi, whilst former BFL CEO's name, Senzo Mbatha has also cropped up.
But before the battle for the CEO's position, there is the elephant in the room to be dealt with, with the election of the new chairperson paramount. Up to seven names are reportedly linked with the post.
The usual horse trading is expected as the fight for the control of the Premier League body takes centre stage in a meeting expected to start at 2pm.
The BFL has had drawn out leadership battles in the recent past, and that trend is expected to continue this afternoon.
Previously, there were unsuccessful attempts to unseat then chairperson, Nicholas Zakhem, in a messy move that even reached the courts.
Whilst out of the leadership position, Zakhem still remains influential, and could decide the appointment of the next chairperson.
In Palapye, there was a pattern of how clubs could vote as a motion to remove Mamelodi was pushed.
Other than the election of the chairperson, the meeting will consider the matter of instituting an audit at the Premier League to determine the state of the body's finances.