Former SAFA President | Sports Administrator | Key 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizer
Full Name: Molefi Nathanael Oliphant
Date of Birth: March 6, 1952
Place of Birth: Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa
Profession: Sports Administrator, Football Executive, Educator
Notable Contributions: President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Second Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Key Figure in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Bid and Hosting, Recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
Early Life and Education
Molefi Oliphant was born on March 6, 1952, in Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa. He began his professional journey as a teacher in 1975 at Lekoa Shandu High School in Sharpeville. By 1983, he had risen to become principal of Lebohang High School in Boipatong. His trajectory in the education sector continued upward, serving as Inspector of Schools (1993) and later as District Director of Education in Gauteng’s Sedibeng West District.
Oliphant is academically accomplished:
- BA – University of South Africa (1982)
- B.Ed – University of the Witwatersrand (1988)
- M.Ed (Education Management) – North West University (2007)
- Honorary Doctorate in Sports Management – Vaal University of Technology (2006)
With Danny Jordan and Irvin Khoza. Photo taken from News 24.
Football Administration Career
Grassroots Beginnings and Rise to SAFA
Oliphant’s involvement in football began at grassroots level in the Vaal Region, where he held various leadership roles. He served as Treasurer of the Soccer Association of South Africa (SASA) until its merger into SAFA in 1991.
He later became Vice President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and was elected President in 1997, a position he held for three terms. His long-standing leadership earned him the title of Honorary Life President of SAFA.
Continental and Global Football Roles
Molefi Oliphant also served in influential continental and international roles:
- Second Vice-President of CAF (Confederation of African Football)
- Member of the CAF Executive Committee
- FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Member
- FIFA Appeal Board Member
- COSAFA Executive Committee Member
- National Olympic Committee of South Africa Member
Pivotal Role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Oliphant played a crucial role in securing and organizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup — the first ever held on African soil. His leadership and diplomacy were instrumental in bringing the tournament to South Africa, marking a historic milestone in global football.
Awards and Recognition
Molefi Oliphant has received numerous national and international honors, including:
- FIFA Merit Award (2010)
- Order of Ikhamanga in Gold
- CAF Golden Jubilee Award
- SAFA Presidential Award
- IOC (International Olympic Committee) Recognition Award
- Special State Award from President Nelson Mandela
- Order of the DISA Officer – Western Cape
- SuperSport Recognition Award
- Dr. Molefi Oliphant Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation
Controversies and Decline under His Tenure
Despite a promising start, Oliphant’s tenure as SAFA President saw a gradual decline in South African football. When he took office in 1997, South Africa was a rising force:
- Bafana Bafana were AFCON 1996 champions
- Ranked 16th in the world by FIFA
- Had recently qualified for their first World Cup
- The School of Excellence showed promise
- SA clubs, including Orlando Pirates, enjoyed continental success
However, by the end of his presidency, critics pointed to:
- Decline in national team performance
- Talent export pipeline drying up
- Inconsistent coaching structures
- Neglected youth development programs
- Loss of major sponsors and partnerships
- Accusations of poor governance and lack of innovation
These setbacks contributed to South Africa’s struggle for consistency on the international stage, despite Oliphant’s efforts on the global front.
Legacy
Molefi Oliphant remains a towering figure in South African football history. While his legacy is mixed — with both praise for his role in the 2010 World Cup and criticism for the domestic football decline under his leadership — his influence on South African sport is undeniable.
Summary Profile
Name: Molefi Nathanael Oliphant
Born: March 6, 1952 – Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa
Professions: Football Executive, Educator
Key Roles:
– SAFA President (3 Terms)
– Honorary Life President – SAFA
– Second Vice-President – CAF
– FIFA Appeal Board Member
– 2010 World Cup Organising Committee
Education:
– BA (UNISA), B.Ed (Wits), M.Ed (NWU), Honorary Doctorate (VUT) Honors:
– Order of Ikhamanga (Gold)
– Special State Award (Mandela)
– CAF Golden Jubilee Medal
– FIFA Merit Award
