GEORGE NEWS - Zama Gagu of Idinga spent some time with the new Safa Eden president, Ebrahim America. America, who has vast experience in the world of football, shared his thoughts with Idinga regarding his new challenge. He was elected on 30 September at Gateway Lodge near George.
Idinga (I): Congratulations, Mr America. What were your expectations before the elections?
America (A): Thanks Mr Gagu. Well, first of all I would like to thank our Heavenly Father, the entire sport family and in particular the football family for the trust they have shown in me. Before the elections I was sure that in our slate we have an outright majority. I was a bit surprised when one of my slate members was driven out by the opposition. Elections make a fundamental contribution to sport governance. Elections enable delegates to select leaders and hold them accountable for their performance in office. Accountability can be undermined when elected leaders do not care whether they are re-elected for historical or other reasons, but in our case, the LFAs voters made the right decisions.
I: You have been in football for a while. Tell us why you wanted the hot seat of Safa Eden president?
A: Football is in my DNA. During my years as regional treasurer I learned a lot. I also picked up that it isn't easy to be a football administrator, but some respected football administrators convinced me to come back to the game. I still feel that football isn't treated the way it's supposed to be in our region. It is time for change. Football deserves better, but to ask for respect you need to be respected. Football is played by most of the athletes in our region - more than any other sports code. My plans are to improve strong relationships with government and business owners. Yes, our leagues are the most important entities and we need to invest more in our leagues. My focus will be on unity across the region. I am not going to tolerate situations whereby whites play there and others on the other side. Regarding the hot seat. No seat is hot if you do the right thing and that is to develop the beautiful game. I feel now it's time for change.
I: Take us through your football history. Where did it all start?
A: I've been in football since 1985 as a player and administrator. People tried to sideline me - for what reason I don't know. Born in Oudtshoorn, I grew up in Dysselsdorp. I played football for Springbok FC in Dysselsdorp, White Spurs FC in Bongolethu and Pacaltsdorp FC. I represented the Southern Cape and Eastern Cape as a player and I also served on the beach football and futsal committees nationally as provincial chairman. I was regional treasurer during the 2010 Football World Cup and until 2013.
I: The competition was very tough. What was in your mind chasing the presidential seat against Elvis Shishana?
A: It was a high mountain to climb. I made it my 2018 resolution to go all-out and contest the presidency. My focus was never on specific individuals, but because of my passion for football I have that feeling that our football is going backwards instead of moving forward. No one gave me the slightest chance to win, but I believe if you do the right things and act in the interest of the people you will succeed. I don't see myself as a president, I see myself as a servant.
I: What was the atmosphere like after winning the seat against Elvis Shishana?
A: (Laughs) When my name was called out as the new president, everyone was just quiet. Even the previous president's focus wasn't on me any more. I can put it to you that before the elections I was sure that I had the support of 4 out of 7. On my visits to these LFAs I could see that development was not addressed in line with the Safa vision 2022. So we need to go back and set proper structures in place for development.
I: Can you share your football development ideas with us?
A: Yes, indeed. I met my management committee on 6 and 7 October to discuss the future. It is important to address the relationship with Safa National and Safa Western Cape. I promise you we will look into the prize structure of the SAB Regional League. We will also look into the Cup Competition in the region. Huge focus will be placed on our LFA League and junior football.
Our women football will get more focus and a dedicated person - a female leader - will be tasked with developing this leg of our football business. Beach football programmes will also be rolled out over the holiday season.
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