Challenges of Management Performance in Managing a Professional Team : A Case of X Football Club

Abstract

Owning a professional football club in South Africa is a lucrative business. Like any business, it requires the application of business management skills and strategies. More often than not, club owners employ managers who lack business management and strategy acumen. This practice negatively impacts both the financial and non-financial performance of the club. The objective of the study was to assess the challenges management face in efficiently and effectively managing a KZN-based professional football club, X (XFC). A pseudo name has been used to respect, protect, and maintain the confidentiality of the football club. Ethical protocols were followed and an approval letter was issued by the University of Kwazulu Natal. In assessing the challenges of management performance, the study used a mixed method approach that included a Balanced Score Card framework and qualitative data collected from the twelve-member management team of X Football Club (XFC), and four corporate sponsors of XFC who are stakeholders of the club. The data was analysed using NVIVO software package. Quantitative data was sampled from three hundred and eighty-five fans of XFC within the EThekwini Durban region and analysed using SPSS. The data collected was triangulated. The study found that the finances were efficiently and effectively managed to the satisfaction of both stakeholders and fans. However, performance and productivity was found to be unsatisfactory. The researcher recommends the inclusion of an executive sponsor within XFC's management team. The executive sponsor will offer strategic operations guidance and be a link between the club and external stakeholders.