FORMER Safa secretary general Donald Norman is the new venue manager of the Peter Mokaba Stadium

FORMER Safa secretary general Donald Norman is the new venue manager of the Peter Mokaba Stadium

Norman is returning to big-time soccer administration after almost a decade. Sowetan can reveal that this highly-respected administrator was appointed to the job by the LOC last week.

The position remained vacant after Kirsten Nematandani was elected Safa president on September 26 last year.

Patrick Mabaso, also the South African Football Schools Association chairperson in Limpopo, was acting venue manager after Nematandani vacated the post.

Norman could not be reached for comment yesterday. He was a prominent soccer administrator soon after the country's unity was achieved in 1992.

Also known as "Dona Doni" in local soccer circles, Norman was a confidante of the late former Safa president Solomon "Stix" Morewa.

LOC chief competitions officer Derek Blanckensee explained the roles of venue managers.

"Once the tournament starts, it becomes impossible for head office staff to be present in every venue to ensure that the operational plans are executed flawlessly and to address challenges that may arise." he said.

"The venue manager . sees that everything is perfectly prepared on the day."

Norman joins three other veteran soccer administrators who are working as managers for the 2010 Fifa World Cup stadiums.

That's are former Witbank Black Aces chairman Veli Mahlangu (Mbombela), Bongi Hlophe (Moses Mabhida ) and Andrew Dipela (Ellis Park).

Other venue managers are Songezo Nayo (Soccer City), Achileus Charalambous (Nelson Mandela Bay Sports Complex), Siphiwe Ngwenya (Free State Stadium), Teral Cullen (Green Point Stadium) and Mpho Modisakeng (Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace).