Black Leopards chairman David “Chief” Thidiela has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into the governance of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He alleges that conflicts of interest within South African football have compromised fairness, accountability and the integrity of the professional game.
Addressing a media briefing in Venue Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 6 August, Thidiela said he would formally petition the President to institute a Madlanga-style Commission of Inquiry to investigate the administration of professional football, with particular focus on the PSL’s governance structures and decision-making processes.
The proposal draws inspiration from the commission chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, which is investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system.
Thidiela argued that football is a national asset that belongs to all South Africans and should be administered transparently, free from conflicts of interest and governance practices that undermine confidence in the sport.
His call comes against the backdrop of Black Leopards’ ongoing relegation battle, which has evolved into a protracted legal dispute following the club’s acquisition of Cape Town All Stars’ Motsepe Foundation Championship status ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to the club, administrative failures surrounding player registrations allegedly left Lidoda Duvha unable to field a fully competitive squad during the opening stages of the campaign. In one match, the club was allegedly forced to play with only nine players and even deployed an outfield player in goal after player registration cards were allegedly withheld. Thidiela maintains that the points lost in those fixtures ultimately proved decisive in the club’s relegation.
The club alleged it exhausted every available domestic remedy, including appeals before football authorities, without obtaining relief. Black Leopards has since approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking an order that four league matches be replayed.
For Thidiela, however, the dispute extends beyond his club’s circumstances. He argues that the case has exposed deeper structural flaws within the PSL, particularly the role of club owners who also serve within league structures and may participate in decisions affecting rival clubs.
“Something is wrong with us. We need introspection of ourselves. Hence I’m saying, Madlanga Commission, if the State President will approve it, it will help us because it’s not only Black Leopards who are going to be kicked out of football,” he said.
“Like getting some people of the league, who own the club to come and run the league, to come and decide my fate. Look how far is rugby today? They are winning the World Cup, game after game. Where is our football? And as an investor, I’m saying this is wrong. I’m going to ask my legal team to prepare a letter to the state president to say come and help us.
“I’m saying, Madlanga Commission is needed there. We need to have a Madlanga in our football to clear football, to say what is happening, what happened? I’m not accusing anybody, but I’m saying a lot is wrong in our football. Our league needs the Madlanga Commission. Then the Madlanga Commission, if they can do what they’re doing here now, football will go back to where it’s supposed to be,” Thidiela added to journalists.
He argued that allowing individuals with vested interests to participate in disciplinary or administrative decisions affecting competing clubs creates an inherent conflict of interest and erodes confidence in the league’s governance.
Thidiela insisted that his campaign is not solely about Black Leopards’ legal battle but about strengthening governance across South African football and restoring public trust in the professional game.
He said an independent judicial inquiry would provide an impartial platform to examine concerns around governance, accountability and conflicts of interest, while making recommendations to improve the administration of the sport.
The proposal has, however, divided opinion within the football fraternity. Some supporters and football commentators have welcomed the suggestion, arguing that an independent inquiry could enhance transparency, modernise governance and address longstanding concerns about accountability within the PSL.
Others contend that Black Leopards’ predicament is largely the result of the club’s own administrative shortcomings, arguing that the focus should remain on improving internal governance rather than inviting political intervention in football.
Despite the differing views, Thidiela remains resolute that presidential intervention is necessary.
With Black Leopards’ case still pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the outcome of the proceedings could have far-reaching implications, not only for the club’s future but also for renewed scrutiny of governance and accountability within South African professional football.
