South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the Premier Soccer League headquarters in Parktown on Monday, saluting the domestic top flight as the best-run league on the African continent.
Coming hot on the heels of Saturday’s sold-out Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium, Ramaphosa’s visit alongside PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza was grounded in acknowledging the league's massive cultural and economic impact.
Addressing the media in Parktown, the Head of State revealed that his presence was aimed at personally honouring the administrative standard set by the local top flight and expressing gratitude for its contribution to society.
"My visit here, as it has been courteous, has also been just to pay tribute to the PSL for what they have achieved," President Ramaphosa said during his address to journalists in Johannesburg.
"They are the best-organised league on the continent and run the most popular sport code, which is football. He was showing me the Nielsen measurements. He says that their business is a happiness index that deals in the happiness of people, and that is so true."
Ramaphosa highlighted that 77% of South Africans who love sport are supporters of football, cementing its status as the nation's leading sporting code ahead of rugby and other disciplines.
The president went on to elevate the iconic Soweto Derby to elite status, describing the spectacle as one of the premier football fixtures not just in Africa, but across the global game.
"The derby, which he has told me that they have trademarked, is the best derby on the continent and also globally," Ramaphosa added, praising the scale and entertainment value of the fixture.
"So, this is a great achievement for us as South Africans. We are very proud of what the PSL has achieved and what football has achieved in our country."
During the visit, Ramaphosa was accompanied by PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and CEO Mato Madlala, who briefed the president on the administrative metrics and operational successes of the tournament.
Khoza expressed his gratitude to the president for taking the time to visit the league offices and recognize the hard work put in by the administration to maintain high standards of governance.
The Premier Soccer League continues to be a central pillar of South African sport, drawing massive crowds and television audiences for matches throughout the domestic campaign season.
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