Motsepe resignation disrupts BFL's succession plan
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday February 24, 2024 06:00
Motsepe's sudden resignation on Wednesday surprised the football fraternity. He confirmed his departure in an interview with MmegiSport.
'I cannot share details surrounding my resignation with the media; what I can only confirm is that I have left the BFL,' he said. Speculation is rife that Motsepe's decision to quit might not be voluntary. Insiders suggest he was pushed out. Reports indicate that he felt his integrity was being compromised and the overall working environment at the BFL was no longer conducive.
His departure is seen as having implications for BFL's leadership transition, particularly regarding the succession plan for the current CEO, Senzo Mbatha, who is expected to leave at the end of the season. The South African's contract, initially set to expire this month, was extended by five months. It is reported that Mbatha had recommended Motsepe as his successor.
Efforts to reach Mbatha were unsuccessful due to a lengthy meeting reportedly focused on addressing Motsepe's departure. Mbatha previously hinted that Motsepe has the proficiency to be the BFL CEO in a previous interview with MmegiSport.
At the time, he said the BFL had failed to find a suitable candidate as his understudy. Repeated efforts to reach Mbatha proved futile as he was reported to be in a lengthy meeting, with the main agenda item being to address Motsepe’s departure. However, the BFL chairperson, Nicholas Zakhem, partly addressed Motsepe’s untimely departure.
'I have not spoken to Mr Motsepe directly, as his dealings would be with the CEO on such matters. Nevertheless, I’ve received information that he has resigned. As for the impact on BFL's succession plan, I am not sure at this moment. I will be able to reply upon my return from overseas,' Zakhem said through a WhatsApp message.
Mbatha is reportedly making an effort to persuade Motsepe to reconsider his position. Before Mbatha's appointment, Motsepe served as the acting CEO following the resignation of Solomon Ramochotlhwane. Before joining the BFL, Motsepe was the general manager at Orapa United. It remains to be seen how the BFL will address the challenge of finding Motsepe’s successor and Mbatha’s replacement while prioritising the continuity of its operations.