All 32 members of the Premier Soccer League attended South Africa's inaugural CAF Club Licensing Seminar as they look to 'close the gap between Africa and Europe'.
According to a press release sent out by the PSL, the two-day seminar was attended by representatives of every club in South Africa's top two divisions, and is aimed at making sure the clubs continue to grow in professionalism.
Speaking on the subject, PSL General Manager, Derek Blanckensee, explained "In the last few months, we have been busy with a consultative process which has included workshops in various parts of the country engaging our clubs on Club Licensing and ensuring that we adapt the Club Licensing to our local conditions. Since then a great deal of work has gone into developing Regulations that will be specific to the League."
Meanwhile, SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble, said, "The general feeling whenever I travel in the continent is that South Africa is ahead of many Federations in implementing Club Licensing and we must congratulate the PSL for taking a lead in this process.
"There is, of course, a lot of work that needs to be done in ensuring that we comply with what FIFA and CAF expects us to do but we have a strong base to build from. We must embrace Club Licensing to ensure that we close the gap between Africa and Europe. It is no coincidence that some of our European counterparts are ahead as well – they have been implementing Club Licensing for years. But I'm confident we will get there."
Club Licensing Objectives:
Safeguard the credibility and integrity of club competitions
Improve the level of professionalism within the football family
Promote sporting values in accordance with the principles of fair play, as well as safe and secure match environments
Promote good governance in clubs
Promote transparency in the control of clubs
Prevent ownership or influence over of more than one club
