Retiring Mamelodi leaves FIFA with no regret
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday January 11, 2017 14:51
A popular figure in the region and beyond, Mamelodi said he “enjoyed every moment of his stay” working for the world soccer governing body, the first Motswana to hold such a post.
In an a wide ranging interview yesterday, Mamelodi, who turns 58 in August said his health and age were the primary reasons he decided to step down.
“The relocation of the (FIFA) office from Gaborone to Johannesburg has been on the cards for two years. I saw this as an opportunity (to retire). I said this was time to think about life after FIFA. I felt in terms of service to the game I had done enough. I am not getting any younger and I didn’t want to be pushed,” Mamelodi said.
He added that he would not be lost to football although he has not figured how best he would serve the sport.
“I have been reflecting on a lot of issues. I am in the process of writing a book (about my stay at BFA) and I might stay on at FIFA as a consultant,” he said.
Mamelodi said he would be forever grateful to serve at FIFA where he leaves with no regrets.
He cited the launch of the grassroots development programmes as one of his highlights at FIFA.
“At FIFA there is creativity and innovation. I leave with absolute no regret. I thoroughly enjoyed at FIFA and I am willing to share my experience,” he said.
Regarding serving as Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, a non-committal Mamelodi said he believes in offering assistance to the association.
“I am not saying I will never be BFA president, but I want people to see me for my worth outside the presidency. It is not about challenging for the presidency. I am available to the BFA for whatever they need from me,” he said.
Read the full interview in our Friday January 13, 2017 edition.