NFD requires revamp Neil Tovey While newly-appointed PSL CEO Brand de Villiers finds the top-tier league in relatively good health, the National First Division (NFD) has become a real headache. The way the NFD is currently operating is farcical. It’s mind-boggling that Polokwane City and Mpumalanga Black Aces were only assured of their promotion to the PSL just days before the start of the new season. At a professional level, it’s ridiculous not knowing which teams are in and which are out at such a late stage. The crux of the matter is that a more clear-cut promotion-relegation format needs to be followed. I believe that our second division should follow the format of the Championship in England, whereby the top two sides earn automatic promotion. However, in terms of relegation from the PSL, I would suggest the two lowest-placed finishers be axed. I would simply do away with the playoffs. However, if the PSL/NFD intend to continue with the current playoff system – the teams finishing second and third in the NFD face each other and the 15th placed PSL side home and away – as soon as the season concludes, the playoffs would commence. From a logistical point of view, I refuse to believe that this is not possible to achieve. While the PSL continues to grow in stature and is well-respected around the world, it’s crucial that our first division functions as effectively. I believe the NFD has genuine potential to act as a feeder-system to the PSL. However, for this to become a reality, the second-tier of South African football has to be re-invented. De Villiers and his colleagues in the PSL offices need to think outside the box in order to grow this division. The NFD desperately needs increased finances through sponsorships and grants if it hopes to become a more viable entity. A positive in this regard is that securing top sponsorships is one of De Villiers’ strengths, having previously served as the MD of the Sail Group. Furthermore, a top-heavy league is never going to survive and, in my view, a strong NFD equals an even better PSL product. While a few foreign internationals have plied their trade in South Africa’s second division, at this stage, I don’t believe there are any local players from the NFD good enough to represent Bafana Bafana. Thus, for the benefit of South African football, the NFD needs to transform itself into a more competitive league so that the promoted sides are ultimately sustainable when they reach the promised land of the PSL. One just has to examine the contrasting fortunes of Chippa United and AmaTuks as a case in point. The Chilli Boys went up the one season and down the very next as they lacked the infrastructure and acumen required in the PSL. Whereas, AmaTuks have made a success of it in the PSL – finishing a credible eight place last season – as they possess the necessary facilities, player-base and resources.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 10:51:02 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015