‘They really study football’: Jordaan explains fourth SAFA election victory

Danny Jordaan

Cape Town – Danny Jordaan has secured a fourth term as South African Football Association (SAFA) president after defeating challenger Sandile Zungu 157-82 at Saturday’s elective congress in Midrand.

The result gives Jordaan another four years at the helm of South African football.

According to the News24, Jordaan attributed his continued electoral success to delegates’ understanding of football and said SAFA voters “really study football”, arguing that their support is based on their assessment of his record and the direction of the game.

The 75-year-old has led SAFA since 2013 and will remain in office until the next election in 2031.

Jordaan says football knowledge drives support

Jordaan’s explanation for his victory comes after a fiercely contested campaign in which Zungu positioned himself as the candidate for change, promising to improve governance, grassroots development and the administration of South African football.

In the lead-up to the election, The National reported that SAFA’s 52 regions were central to the contest, with nearly 200 Local Football Associations and several special and associate members involved in the voting process. Jordaan entered the congress with strong backing from several regional blocs, including KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

That regional support proved decisive.

Mail & Guardian noted that the result secured Jordaan a fourth term despite the controversy surrounding his leadership. The publication described the election as a “chaotic” vote.

The election was also overshadowed by allegations of intimidation and disputes over the eligibility and status of some regional structures. SAFA said some delegates had received death threats and harassment ahead of the congress, while Zungu accused the organisation of manipulating regional structures.

Zungu, however, failed to translate his campaign for reform into enough votes. Speaking after his defeat, he said he wanted SAFA to be run more professionally and indicated that he would not consider another presidential bid unless the organisation’s structures changed, eNCA reported.

“I wish SAFA was run professionally. I really wish it was run professionally, and there could be, you know, certainty that if you entered any race involving SAFA that you’ll be assured of, you know, fair play because it would be a much easier decision,” the report quoted Zungu as saying. 

“If I was to throw myself into a same environment with the same kind of rules, that is what is called classical stupidity.

You’re doing the same thing and expecting different outcomes. I do hope that the, they call it the cadreship, that is given the task of leading SAFA in the next four years. Among their responsibilities would be to reform SAFA, its statutes, so that SAFA is well positioned to become a truly world-class organisation.”

Jordaan now faces the challenge of turning his electoral mandate into improved administration and performance on the field. His new term will also unfold against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings in which he faces fraud and theft allegations relating to SAFA funds. Jordaan has denied wrongdoing.

With the election behind him, Jordaan and the new SAFA leadership will also be expected to focus on the national teams and the broader development of South African football, including preparations for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Picture: X / @GaytonMcK

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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