Premier Soccer League mourns death of marketing guru Peter ‘Squire’ Mancer

Long-time marketing guru of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Peter Mancer has died, the league said on Monday evening.

Mancer was a founding administrator of the PSL in its inception in the 1996-97 season and credited with many of the league’s marketing initiatives over the years as South African domestic top-flight football became unrecognisably professional and wealthy.

Affectionately nicknamed 'Squire', he was among the negotiators of the sponsorship and television rights deals of the 2000s that saw the PSL become worth hundreds of millions of rand.

Mancer battled severe lung illness for a number of years and was housebound during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Always ready with a handshake and known as one of the colourful characters of South African football administration, he earned a second nickname, 'Mancer the Dancer', in reference to his flash moves on the dance floor at events.

Mancer was an avid ballroom dancer. His flamboyant, stylish dress sense, ready wit and humour and outgoing personality saw him often featured in the Sunday Times satirical column Tsamaya. 

He was also influential in the format and growth over the years of the annual PSL Awards.

“The PSL is mourning the sad passing of Peter ‘Squire’ Mancer,” the league said.

“Mancer spent many years as a PSL marketing and broadcasting specialist adviser.”

PSL chair Irvin Khoza said of the death of his friend and close associate: “We express our sincere condolences to the Mancer family. Your loss is indeed our loss.

“Together with you, we will miss the gentle giant — ‘Mancer the Dancer’. When I think about Squire, I think of pedigree — he was one of a kind.

“Dependable, tenacious, abundance of energy. His word was bankable.”

Among early tributes Orlando Pirates general manager Derek Blanckensee, who formerly held the same post with the PSL, tweeted: “Peter 'Squire' Mancer was much more than a colleague. He was one of the most genuine, trustworthy, dependable friends I have ever known.

“Whether it was when my family got held up at home, or when I had trouble at work, he really, truly, honestly cared from his heart. #RIPSquire.”

SuperSport United tweeted: “Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of Peter ‘Squire’ Mancer. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

The PSL said the “Mancer family will announce funeral arrangements in due course”.

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