Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

While the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is still head-hunting for a person to take up the general manager's position in Parktown, esteemed referee Andile "Ace" Ncobo remains the number one target.

Sowetan established that the multiple award winning Fifa referee from Eastern Cape is seen as the right person to fill the void left by Andrew "Druza" Dipela.

But Ncobo, who passed the Fifa fitness test in Eastern Cape yesterday, once again scoffed at the persistent rumours that he will be the PSL's GM in the new term.

The earmarked candidate begins his job on August 1.

Ncobo is said to have already been approached by the league's chief executive, Kjetil Siem to check if he would take up the post.

But a source said Ncobo, who has had a hectic off-season handling 2010 Africa Cup of Nations-World Cup qualifiers, asked the PSL to look elsewhere for Dipela's replacement. But he did not shut the doors completely on further discussions with the league.

"Ncobo is a man who likes challenges and he does not just want to join the PSL for the sake of joining them," the source said.

"He is a businessman and is not making his money through refereeing or being a schoolmaster. So he wants to know what the PSL's job entails.

"But they really need him and they think he will do a good job in Parktown.

"It does not appear that the PSL has got their man for the job and I expect them to approach Ncobo again when the CEO returns from vacation in Europe next month."

Ncobo insisted yesterday that he will continue as a referee next season.

"I have passed the fitness test and I'm looking forward to officiating in the new season," he said.

Siem refused to name the preferred candidate.