Ex-Banyana star Lydia Monyepao appointed SAFA CEO

The former Banyana Banyana star has been serving as the Chief Operations Officer since 2021, around the same time her predecessor took the role. 

Motlanthe was present as part of the top table when SAFA president Danny Jordaan confirmed the forced changes, but only to deny the authenticity of the leaked letter that alleged reasons why he’d suddenly quit. 

He did not call it fake as he only insisted his document would have been accompanied by his signature and that he walks away for “personal reasons” – the now former CEO then left the building. 

SABC Sport reported that Motlanthe resigned for various factors, among them a directive to cut SAFA staff by more than half, that he’d become a “glorified clerk”, cameras were planted in his office as well as the fact that his health had taken a knock over the short stint. 

Motlanthe recommended Monyepao as his ideal replacement even if it’s to save costs for the association.    

Jordaan suggested it would not be necessary to go on a recruitment drive, indicating that the ex-Banyana player was more than competent. 

But the president did not elaborate on whether there would be a new COO.