aNC Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) is saddened by the passing of legendary football administrator,  Abdul Bhamjee.

His death marks the end of a golden era of South African football. The history of South African football will be incomplete without mentioning the name of this shrewd and dedicated servant of the game.

Mr Bhamjee played a central role in the establishment of the National Soccer League (NSL) which broke.away from the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1985. He was instrumental in turning the NSL into a non-racial soccer league in defiance of the vision of the apartheid regime.

The NSL was later transformed into the Professional Soccer League (PSL), one of the most professional and competitive leagues on the continent.

He was a visionary football administrator. The iconic FNB Stadium‚ which hosted the 2010 Fifa World Cup Final, was his brainchild. The stadium was built in 1986 and completed in 1989.

We thank him for his unwavering commitment to the development of the game in South Africa. Indeed Mr Bhamjee’s name has been engraved on the South African football hall of fame with a golden pen

He will be remembered for bringing excitement, hype and unparalleled creativity when he was the Public Relations Officer of the NSL.

The ANC sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the football community. We wish them strength and fortitude during this difficult time.

END

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975