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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
The CEO of the Premier Soccer League took over from Trevor Phillips a year ago. This former sports journalist also held the position of director of the Oslo club Valerenga. After helping the team break Rosenborg's 13-year stranglehold on the Norwegian title in 2005, he became director for media and business development for Norsk Toppfotball, which oversees the top two leagues in Norway, the Tippeliga (14 clubs) and the Adeccoliga (16 clubs). With the 2010 World Cup looming, Siem is now playing an important role in contributing to the country's efforts. Project 2010 asked him…  What has struck you the most about the state of the local game since you were appointed CEO of the PSL? I'm surprised by the level of negativity around local football when there are so many positive things going on. Only the fact that this country is hosting a World Cup in less than two years is actually an extremely positive thing, but that's not only a soccer thing. It is a South African thing. The PSL enjoyed its most successful year commercially and financially during 2007/08 season. With the 2010 World Cup less than two years away, how important do you see the growth of this league? The 2010 tournament must be used as a tool for us to build our skills and professionalism to higher levels. That alone will help us with a needed mindset change. The future of South African soccer is in fact quite bright if we do the right things now. There have been major concerns about the national teams performance for some time now. Are you concerned about the development structures in local football and what can be done to improve it in such a short space of time? To develop the South African talent, or re-develop it is not an overnight thing. Some things have been done well…. with other things we have been sleeping. The only way to secure the future for SA soccer is to invest in the talent and the facilities. Overall, how do you think South Africa's 2010 preparations are progressing? It is difficult. Some things I think is very good, others need to be better. more interviews... |
