Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Free State MEC for sports and culture, Ace Magashule, is set to take over as the new head of the 2010 World Cup operations in the province this week.

Currently, MEC for local government Joe Mafereka is the provincial political champion of this quadrennial money spinning tournament.

Mafereka, a former MEC for sport and culture, was redeployed with the 2010 World Cup title after the Cabinet reshuffle last year.

"We are going to take the 2010 political champion back to the department of sport and recreation," said Magashule, who is also the ANC Free State leader.

Magashule, who is expected to be named new Free State Premier in two weeks' time, was speaking at a Safa Fezile Dabi 2010 World Cup gala dinner in Parys on Saturday.

Also present at the function were Local Organising Committee chairman Irvin Khoza and Bafana Bafana manager Sipho Nkumane.

Magashule said the decision to relocate the World Cup back to the department of sport and recreation was taken by the ANC last week.

Magashule also announced that the Free State government had initiated a programme to assist the First Division and Vodacom League clubs in the area.

"We had a meeting with our clubs last Monday for them to tell us what their needs were and see how we can assist them.

"They made it clear that they need simple things, like transport and playing attire. We are getting playing kits for all of them and will also help with transport."

Khoza commended the hands-on approach by Magashule, whom he described as a true leader.

"Ntate Magashule is the only MEC who understands the economy of football. We appreciate what he is doing to help in the development of the sport."

Turning to former professional players, Khoza said Safa did not have a problem with them being involved in the game.

Khoza said the ex-professionals were more comfortable serving as armchair critics from the SABC and SuperSport studios.

He urged them to be involved as coaches in the Vodacom and SAB Leagues.