After serving Cape Town football for more than a decade, Greschen Jaftha has been appointed as the first woman Office Administrator for SAFA Cape Town – and she’s on a mission.

It’s something to be proud of, naturally. But as far as Jaftha is concerned, it’s not just about her.

 “The LFA members are the key customers of SAFA Cape Town – and customer satisfaction is my key motivating factor,” she says. “My job is to provide the service that will ensure we sustain customer loyalty, while at the same time continue to grow the membership of the Region through sound decisive leadership.” 

The eldest daughter of Audrey and Greg Jaftha, Greschen Jaftha completed her schooling at Bridgetown High School in Bridgetown. She joined SAFA in 2011, where her duties covered player registration, a repetitive function. But she soon realised the importance thereof: there were thousands of footballers out there depending on her to produce their player’s card so they could compete over the weekend in the game they loved. 

“I could see a career path for myself at SAFA Cape Town,” she recalls. “And under the guidance of the Office Manager, Morne Barnes – a walking football encyclopaedia – I started to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the administrative functions of football operations.”

There was a lot to learn.

“The more I learned the greater my love for football became. The complexities of the rules became clearer as I expanded my knowledge and I found myself in the support structures of all committees.”

Morne, sadly, was called home to eternal rest on 30 September 2020, and Jaftha was appointed as Acting Office Manager in October 2020. 

“The job entails (among other things) attending to all incoming and outgoing correspondence, preparation of meeting packs and managing registrations targets. It also involves supporting the Regional Executive Committee, purchasing office stationery, provisions and equipment, managing events with relevant portfolios and Supervision of office staff.”

She acquitted herself beyond expectations, always providing the service excellence demanded by customers, while meeting all agreed deadlines. With the late Elton Lotriet as her mentor, they were driven to be the world-class administrative unit in South African football. 

And this year, her hard work was rewarded when she was officially appointed as Office Manager in January 2023.

Looking Forward: Football & The Future

Having served SAFA CT for so long, Gretha has faced many challenges and difficulties.

“The low moments I have experienced was when football was halted in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So many innocent little ones at home, ground under the restrictions that were imposed. And loadshedding – need I say more?” 

But there have been wins as well.

“The highs include (but are not limited to) Coke Cup finals day and seeing registration officers leaving the office satisfied that they are in possession of the players’ cards to enable our members to enjoy the game they all loved.”

That’s just the nature of the game, really.

“Football by its very nature and the diversity of our members will continue to give rise to new challenges,” she says. “We must have an open mind and view challenges as opportunities to serve our membership. And we must continue to reach out to the corporate world as the region is in need of sponsorships so we can continue our development strategies at grass roots level, including schools football.”

 Her advice to the youth who want to have a successful career in football: strive to develop and grow; work hard; and be a team player. 

“TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE MUCH MORE,” she says. “I was blessed and will remain eternally grateful for the support, guidance and mentorship that I received from the former Office Manager Morne Barnes, Former General Secretary Elton Lotriet and the SAFA Cape Town President, Mr Bennett Bailey.”

And always enjoy what you are doing – and the success that comes with it.. 

“Through hard work and believing in yourself you will achieve your goals and dreams. The world’s your oyster; position yourself to claim your prize.”