Mamelodi wraps up colossal FIFA assignment
Mqondisi Dube | Friday January 13, 2017 11:53
Ashford Mamelodi has been with FIFA since the turn of the millennium, and in the last 16 years, he has gathered a lot of mileage. A popular figure across the region and beyond, Mamelodi has flown to even the remote areas, all in the name of football.
One moment he is on the plane to Ndola and the next he is in Maseru before jetting out for a FIFA congress in Zurich.
But Mamelodi reckons, the challenge was worth every effort and he leaves a satisfied man.
On reasons for retiring
“When FIFA informed us that there were plans to relocate the Gaborone office to Johannesburg, I saw this as an opportunity. When I was in Mexico (for the FIFA congress) I had a health problem. I thought to myself it is nice to continue working but it’s time to think about life after FIFA. Basically it’s a health situation, my age and importantly I have served for 16 years, so I felt I had done enough. You don’t wait until you are pushed out, or you need a walking stick.”
On his next destination
“I would want to stay in football; I think there is a lot to be done. I have a lot of experience and a lot to offer, which is the reason why I want to remain in the game. I have not figured how but I want to remain in the game. I have a book on my stay at the BFA which I want to finish. There is a possibility that FIFA might engage me as a consultant. I don’t have anything decided yet.”
Summarise your stay at FIFA
“Every day was a learning curve. I will never sufficiently express my gratitude for the opportunity to work for the organisation. I am a different person than the one engaged in 2000. If I compare, at BFA it was hard, you are not even sure if you have enough money to pay your staff at the end of the month, programmes stagnated due to lack of resources. At FIFA it was different. It was about how creative a member association is, once FIFA approves, funding rolls. For instances when I went to Lusaka, I saw a whole maize field, but when you go now it’s a double storey building which is the headquarters of the Football Association of Zambia. It means a lot to me. Even in Botswana, I used to be housed in some small office, but now you have Lekidi Centre. These were infrastructure projects. Then our jobs evolved where we became conduits of FIFA looking at technical issues. One of my special moments at FIFA was when grassroots development was launched. I was involved in a number of launches (in the region), which emphasised that every footballer should start at the basic level first. It made a lot of sense. Also the introduction of artificial turfs across the continent was one of my highlights. There is a lot of innovation and creativity at FIFA.”
What is the difference between FIFA under Blatter and FIFA now?
“I was under Blatter’s leadership for 15, I won’t talk about corruption, there are people to talk about that. We were out on the field. It was a shock to me like any other person.
I get worried when people stay for too long or are not given a chance. I am happy that members of the FIFA executive committee are now given three terms. I must admit I was disappointed when Blatter stood for another term. I was reasonably close to him (Blatter) and each time he would come to Africa he would commend me. As for comparing leadership, it’s difficult because the current one is still too new. The only thing which is worrying me are too many changes. I am a firm believer that don’t fix what is not broken. Changes must be strategic. How do you (Africa) survive with two offices? (FIFA is reducing offices in Africa from four to two). I am concerned with the level and speed of change.
Blatter had a vision for Africa; the World Cup came during his time. I believe he had a strong feeling towards Africa. Look at the FIFA Goal Project, the bonuses that came after the World Cup. He did a lot and took football a step further.”
On Botswana benefiting from his role at FIFA
“Yes, they benefited like any other region, but they did not take full advantage. I always said I was available. I feel that with a FIFA office, Botswana could have benefited more. Short of being accused of interfering, there are certain things you can do. FIFA has played a big role, but at the end of the day it’s down to individual associations. I am still available but I no longer have FIFA resources.”
On taking away both COSAFA and FIFA offices from Gaborone to South Africa
“We are not congesting South Africa, instead we are taking advantage of the facilities not necessarily the human resource. It is not a political move but something which is good for football. It is a logical consequence. One might argue about Botswana hosting SADC headquarters, but that is different.”
On high turnover of CEOs at BFA
“During my time, I had presidents who trusted me with their lives. We had no resources but we managed. CEOs must be given time and space, which I was given during my time. Macro managing CEOs goes against good governance. Football is a business but we don’t give it the respect it deserves.”