SAMLFA Congress elects interim leadership, sets reform in motion
SAMLFA Northern Cape representatives at the convention: Godfrey Mbambo, James Mothibi (Provincial President), Lebohang Marekoa (Provincial Secretary and National Secretary-General), and Daniel Madebe (Provincial Second Vice-President).
Image: Supplied / SAMLFA Northern Cape
THE SOUTH African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) has taken a major step toward stability, announcing an interim leadership team following its National Non-Elective Congress held in Tshwane last weekend.
Representatives from all nine provinces gathered at the Ditsong Museum on July 26-27 under the theme “Unity, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation” to chart a new course for the organisation, which has faced internal challenges in recent years.
“This congress was about rebuilding,” said National President Buddah Jacob Mathathe, who was appointed to head the Interim National Executive Committee (INEC). “These resolutions show our united commitment to rebuild, reconcile, and restore the integrity of SAMLFA.”
The nine-member INEC will guide the association for the next six months, leading up to a full Elective Congress. The body includes several high-profile figures, including former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and ex-professional players like Simba Marumo and Brent Carelse.
Other key resolutions include:
- A constitutional review, with a draft to be produced within three months.
- The creation of new governance roles, including a National Coordinator Portfolio and National Compliance Portfolio.
The full interim committee is:
- President: Buddah Jacob Mathathe
- 1st Vice President: Moeketsi Senqhi (North West)
- General Secretary: Lebohang Marekoa (Northern Cape)
- Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba (Gauteng)
- Simba Marumo (Free State)
- Sipho Ndzuzo (Eastern Cape)
- Henry Mhlongo (Mpumalanga)
- Brent Carelse (Western Cape)
- KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo representatives: To be confirmed
SAMLFA, which represents retired professional players and football veterans, aims to use this transitional period to strengthen its structures and restore credibility within the broader football community.
“These resolutions show our united commitment to rebuild, reconcile, and restore the integrity of SAMLFA,” said President Buddah Jacob Mathathe.