From The Football Pitch To The Ballot Box: Irvin Khoza Delivers An Important Message

Irvin Khoza Sends Powerful Message To All 32 PSL Clubs As South Africa Heads To The Local Government Elections

JOHANNESBURG – Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has issued a strong appeal to all 32 professional football clubs and their supporters, urging them to participate in South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections and exercise their democratic right to vote.

Khoza’s message comes at a crucial time, with special voting taking place on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of the main Election Day on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The PSL chairman made the appeal on Monday during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the league’s headquarters in Parktown, Johannesburg. The meeting provided an opportunity for football leadership and the Presidency to encourage greater public participation in the electoral process.

Khoza stressed that voting should not be viewed merely as a political activity but as an important responsibility for every citizen who wants to see improvements in their communities.

He particularly challenged football supporters who regularly complain about poor sporting infrastructure and facilities to make their voices heard through the ballot box.

“It’s very important to vote because you cannot complain about facilities not being upgraded and not make it a point to vote,” Khoza said.

He further emphasised that a strong voter turnout would strengthen the credibility of elections and contribute to the country’s democratic process.

“If you vote in numbers, it gives voting credibility and strengthens democracy,” he added.

The football administrator also made it clear that the appeal was directed at the entire football community, including club officials, players, employees and supporters.

“All the supporters of football, all the clubs and their supporters, must go and vote in numbers,” Khoza urged.

His message carries particular significance because the PSL has a substantial national following, with supporters of clubs competing in the Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship spread across different provinces and municipalities.

Local government elections are especially important to football communities because municipalities are responsible for services and infrastructure that directly affect the development of the sport. These include community sports grounds, recreational facilities, roads, electricity, water and the maintenance of public spaces.

Khoza’s argument is that supporters who want better facilities in their neighbourhoods should also participate in choosing the local representatives responsible for delivering those improvements.

President Ramaphosa also encouraged South Africans to take part in the elections, warning that refusing to vote weakens citizens’ ability to influence the direction of their municipalities. He said residents should use their votes to shape the future of local government and hold elected representatives accountable for their promises.

In a significant move, the PSL has also postponed league fixtures originally scheduled for 4 November, allowing players, club officials and supporters an opportunity to participate in the elections without match-day commitments.

With special voting already under way and the main election approaching, Khoza’s appeal is clear: South Africa’s football family should not remain on the sidelines when important decisions about the country’s future are being made.

For the PSL chairman, the message goes beyond football. It is about participation, accountability and ensuring that communities have a voice in the leadership and development of their municipalities.

Source; https://x.com/centralnewsza/status/2117284403462164593/photo/1

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