Black Leopards boss slams Irvin Khoza’s ‘dictatorial’ rule in PSL

The leadership of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been rocked by an explosive attack from Black Leopards owner David Thidiela, who has accused PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza of running the organisation with an iron fist.

In a scathing radio interview, Thidiela labelled Dr Khoza a “dictator” and called for immediate intervention, asserting that the powerful chairman holds more sway than the head of state.

“This league is run by Irvin Khoza alone, his word is final and he’s a dictator… I’ve never seen a chairman with so much power in the country. He has more power than Cyril Ramaphosa,” Thidiela told Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000.

Frustrated by what he perceives as a completely unaccountable leadership, the outspoken administrator has formally written to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, demanding an investigation into the league’s governance structure.

Thidiela warned that he would not be silenced, threatening to release further details to substantiate his claims against both Khoza and Acting PSL CEO Mato Madlala.

‘SAY YES OR YOU’RE OUT!’ — THIDIELA ACCUSES IRVIN KHOZA OF PSL DICTATORSHIP

“In this league, it’s either you say yes to Irvin Khoza or you’re out, and I’m not going to allow that to happen. Seeing that I wrote to the minister, he will handle this,” he added.

Central to Thidiela’s accusations is the alleged conflict of interest arising from Dr. Khoza’s dual role as both PSL Chairman and the influential boss of Orlando Pirates.

Thidiela revealed that this concern has been the root of his long-standing disagreement with Khoza: “I was against that from the beginning and that’s where our differences come from.”

He also raised serious questions about Mato Madlala’s position, highlighting her decade-long tenure as Acting PSL CEO while simultaneously serving as Golden Arrows chairperson. Thidiela claims these concerns about club owners running the league’s administration are shared by other major club bosses.

“Ask everyone that’s there now and they will tell you that I’ve written a letter. I’ve been fighting against this for years… I’m not getting any joy.”

The veteran club owner concluded his fiery address by demanding a full commission of inquiry, even appealing to FIFA to step in and “sort this out” due to what he believes is unfair treatment within the league.