As the South African Football Association prepares for its elective congress at Vodacom World in Midrand, incumbent president Danny Jordaan and challenger Sandile Zungu are locked in a fiercely contested leadership race that has drawn intense public debate and divided political figures across the country.
The Presidency Race and Provincial Backing
Danny Jordaan enters the election seeking a fourth term as head of the South African Football Association. According to reporting on the contest, Jordaan holds confirmed backing from provincial structures including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape, while the Western Cape remains divided. Meanwhile, competing groupings such as Save Our Football and the Football Transformation Forum have actively worked behind the scenes to secure delegates ahead of the vote.
Challenger Sandile Zungu has maintained high visibility during the campaign. According to Zungu, attempts were made to meet with Jordaan to discuss the future of the association, though those efforts were unsuccessful. Utilizing the isiZulu phrase “Asilwi”—which translates to “we are not fighting”—Zungu emphasized that the vote should focus on the direction of South African football rather than a personal rivalry. Zungu also raised claims regarding statements allegedly attributed to Jordaan concerning his eligibility before the Governance Committee cleared his candidacy.
Political Divisions Highlight Diverging Visions
Prominent political figures have entered the fray to declare their allegiances. According to statements posted on X and reported by the Sowetan, ANC national executive committee member Andile Lungisa strongly backed the incumbent. Lungisa stated that existing structures would not allow newcomers to take over the organization, asserting that Zungu should instead focus on building AmaZulu FC. Jordaan has led the association for nearly 13 years.
Conversely, African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula and MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi have thrown their weight behind Zungu. According to Zungula’s posts on X, South African football requires fresh leadership, stronger governance, and a serious grassroots rebuilding program. Manyi similarly framed the choice on X as a decision between preserving the status quo and opening a new chapter for the sport.
Key Campaign Proposals: Regional Funding vs. Continuity
Zungu’s campaign centers on regional empowerment, highlighted by a prominent pledge to provide SAFA regions with R50,000 every month, with potential increases up to R150,000 for administrative growth. The proposal aims to support day-to-day operations, regional tournaments, and grassroots development. Critics have questioned the origin of this funding, as no formal commercial agreements have been publicly announced.
On the other side, Jordaan’s supporters within the SAFA National Executive Committee rely on the argument that leadership should not change for its own sake. Pointing to Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, national team improvements, and existing commercial partnerships, the incumbent’s camp asks why leadership should change when structures are functioning. However, challengers argue that national team results do not fully reflect the health of grassroots football, women’s competitions, coaching, and regional financial stability.
Did you know? The upcoming elective congress features an intervention by AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who publicly endorsed Sandile Zungu, adding significant weight to the campaign in KwaZulu-Natal and its 11 SAFA regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the SAFA elections taking place?
The elective congress takes place on Saturday at Vodacom World in Midrand.
Who are the main candidates running for the SAFA presidency?
Incumbent president Danny Jordaan is seeking a fourth term against challenger and AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu.
What is Sandile Zungu’s main campaign promise regarding regional funding?
Zungu has promised to provide SAFA regions with R50,000 per month, with potential increases up to R150,000 for regions demonstrating growth.
What achievements do Danny Jordaan’s supporters highlight?
Supporters point to Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, improved national team performances, and established commercial partnerships.
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