Mato Madlala, South Africa’s longest-serving acting CEO of the Premier Soccer League, is also the owner and chairperson of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C., making her one of the most influential women in African football. Since assuming leadership in 2015, she has overseen the PSL’s financial boom and maintained Golden Arrows’ competitive presence in top-tier soccer. As an accountant, business leader, and football visionary, Madlala’s impact spans sports, governance, and community development, earning her recognition as a trailblazer for women in football leaders
Full Name: Dolores Thokozile Madlala
Commonly Known As: Mato Madlala
Birthplace: Lamontville, South Durban, South Africa
Profession: Accountant, Football Executive, Businesswoman
Current Roles:
- Acting CEO of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) (since November 10, 2015)
- Owner and Chairperson of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C.
- Member of the South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee (NEC)
🏆 Career Highlights
⚽ Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. (1996–Present)
- In 1996, Mato Madlala and her late brother, Rocky Madlala, purchased the First Division franchise of Ntokozo FC, renaming it Lamontville Golden Arrows.
- Rocky, a lawyer and former footballer, partnered with Mato to run the club until his passing in 2007.
- As chairperson and owner, Mato helped the club gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League in the 1999/2000 season, transforming it into a respected name in South African football.
- Despite financial difficulties in the early years (players were unpaid during the first two seasons), she steered the club to long-term sustainability.
- Today, Golden Arrows is a recognized PSL team, with her niece Nonceba Madlala now serving as club manager.
🏢 PSL Acting CEO (2015–Present)
- Appointed acting CEO of the PSL in November 2015 after the exit of Brand de Villiers.
- Despite her interim status, Mato has served longer than any permanent CEO, thanks to strong performance and stability under her leadership.
- Under her tenure, the PSL’s revenue surged past R1 billion, reinforcing her reputation as a powerful business leader and an asset to the league.
- According to the NSL handbook (Articles 17 & 18), the CEO is appointed by the NEC and not elected—allowing her extended tenure with no term limit.
- Widely recognized as the only female chairperson of a PSL club and a top-level female executive in South African football.
🌍 Other Business and Leadership Roles
- Former Chairperson of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC)
- Independent Non-Executive Director at Cullinan Holdings Ltd, a major player in travel and tourism
- Director of multiple companies (reportedly nine), showcasing her broad business reach
🌱 Philanthropy and Advocacy
- Known for championing women’s involvement in football and community upliftment through sport.
- Actively supports football development programs, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Recognized as a role model for female leadership in male-dominated industries.
👤 Personal Life
- Mato Madlala keeps her personal life private.
- She regards her niece Nonceba—now Golden Arrows’ manager—as her daughter.
- Comes from a football-rooted family: her late brother Rocky was a footballer-turned-lawyer, and her father Hamilton “Merika” Madlala was involved with Durban Bush Bucks.
- Studied accounting at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and formerly worked at Tongaat Hulett.
Rocky.
