The historic election of 29-year-old Katleho Lechoo as the youngest National Executive Committee [NEC] member of the South African Football Association [SAFA] is far from a coincidence.
Hailing from Viljoenskroon in the Free State, Lechoo was elected into the SAFA NEC during the Elective Congress in Johannesburg on 12 September 2026. His appointment marks a groundbreaking milestone, making him the youngest figure to ever sit on the association’s highest decision-making body.
However, his journey to the top table of South African football governance was forged through years of grassroots dedication—starting right at the bottom.
FROM KIT MANAGER TO THE SAFA NEC
Lechoo’s administrative journey began over a decade ago in 2014, working as a humble kit manager for the University of the Free State [UFS] football team. His work ethic quickly saw him elevated to team manager, before his leadership qualities took him to the highest level of student governance as UFS Student Representative Council [SRC] president in 2019.
He later transitioned into national university sports leadership, being appointed Football Chairperson for University Sport South Africa [USSA]—a role that ultimately served as his springboard to SAFA’s executive tier.
Reflecting on his journey, Lechoo revealed that while his footballing skills couldn’t take him to the professional ranks like his father, his calling lay in administrative leadership.
“I have always had that feeling that I was born to lead,” Lechoo told FARPost.
“In my family, there is no one who has made it to a provincial or national setup in any leadership role, so I am the first. It started as a young boy when I was a prefect at Huntersvlei Primary Farm School in Viljoenskroon.
“My father played back in the 90s and was very good. Growing up, people expected me to follow in his footsteps. I attempted to play, but I never made it professionally—however, I lived and breathed the game.”
DRIVING USSA’S VISION IN THE SAFA EXECUTIVE
Elected on a University Sport ticket, Lechoo insists his presence in the SAFA NEC under president Danny Jordaan is aimed at unlocking the massive, untapped potential within tertiary institutions to drive national football development.
He believes universities can serve as more than just a nursery for players, acting instead as a multi-disciplinary hub for the entire sport.
“I do not represent myself; I carry the mandate of University Sport,” Lechoo explained. “We represent one of the most significant untapped resources within the South African football ecosystem.
“What I want to bring to the NEC and the association as a whole is the vision for USSA to become a formal strategic partner in executing a national football development agenda. It goes beyond just developing players.
“Our objective is not only to produce better footballers, but to build a complete football ecosystem—one capable of producing better coaches, administrators, match officials, researchers, and ultimately, stronger football institutions.”
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