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PSL rope in former top referee Ace Ncobo

The PSL has announced the appointment of former FIFA referee Ace Ncobo in an administrative role.

The general manager position at the PSL had been vacant since 2016 when Derek Blanckensee was shown the exit door by the League due to “administrative shortcomings”.

Andile ‘Ace’ Ncobo returns to the PSL to take over his old job as general manager.

The PSL announced his return on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced administrator Andile “Ace” Ncobo, who joins the League in the capacity of General Manager in the Football Department,” said the PSL in a statement.

“The four-time PSL referee of the season winner will continue to contribute to professional football in the country whilst also adding value to improving levels of knowledge regarding the professional game through his involvement with specific SuperSport television productions.”

Ace Ncobo addressing the media during a SAFA press conference
Ace Ncobo addressing the media

Ace Ncobo returns to PSL

Ncobo was the general manager of the PSL in 2008 as he had replaced Andrew Dipela.

However, a year later, in 2009, Ncobo tendered his resignation after failing a polygraph test conducted by Alethea Polygraph Services.

Ncobo had agreed to do the test after match-fixing allegations were made against him by then-PSL referee Jonas Nhlapho.

As the general manager of the PSL 14 years ago, Ncobo was tasked with the running of the DStv Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship fixture management and was responsible for all football-related administration in the League.

Since his retirement as a referee, Ncobo has been involved in the game of football as an analyst for SuperSport TV while also making a name for himself in the business world as he holds interests in several sectors, such as hospitality and property. 

In addition, Ncobo harboured political ambition as he was in the running for SA Football Association [SAFA] presidency in 2018 before walking out of the elective congress, claiming that some delegates had threatened him.

Ncobo will be the first PSL general manager in seven years and will be hoping for a successful second stint in the position.

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