Sizwe Nzimande is the new chief operations officer for the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The 30-year-old marketer was introduced at a media briefing at the league’s offices on Wednesday.
Nzimande will take over the day-to-day running of the PSL. He has been given a two-year contract and will officially start his new job on September 1.
Nzimande worked closely with CEO Trevor Phillips during the 2003/04 Absa Cup competition and was a former Absa bank employee before being convinced by Phillips to join the top-flight football league.
Phillips said it took him nine months to convince Nzimande.
”He has a huge task ahead of him. He also has got a lot to learn but I am looking forward to working with him,” said Phillips.
However, Phillips dismissed speculation that Nzimande will take over from him when his contract expires in November.
Phillips said Nzimande’s duties do not only entail the day-to-day running of the league, but also include negotiating with television houses and, most importantly, driving the PSL’s business plan.
Nzimande said it is like going back to school all over again.
”I feel butterflies in my stomach but the consolation is that I will be working with vastly experienced administrators in Trevor, Andrew Dipela and Dan Leboa,” he said. — Sapa