BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Danny Jordaan has strengthened his grip on South African football after comfortably defeating challenger Sandile Zungu to secure a record fourth consecutive term as president of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Jordaan dominated Saturday’s elective congress at Vodacom World in Midrand, collecting 157 votes against Zungu’s 82, in an election that had been preceded by intense campaigning, political manoeuvring and heightened security concerns.
The result came despite growing confidence among Zungu’s supporters outside the congress venue that the challenger could pull off an upset. Zungu entered the race as a perceived public favourite, campaigning under the banner of change and promising to renew South African football rather than making Jordaan’s controversies the centrepiece of his campaign.
Inside the congress, however, the balance of power appeared to favour the incumbent. Reports indicated that Jordaan had already secured the support of a substantial majority of SAFA’s 52 regional associations before delegates cast their ballots, giving him a formidable advantage heading into the vote.
The election was not without controversy. Only 48 of SAFA’s 52 regions took part after four regions—Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Sarah Baartman and Pixley Ka Seme—were disqualified following a National Executive Committee meeting on Friday night.
The exclusion of the four regions was particularly significant because they were reportedly aligned with Zungu’s “Zungu for Change” campaign. Their removal from the voting process further altered the electoral landscape before the first ballot was cast and became one of the major talking points surrounding the congress.
Security was also significantly tightened following reports of possible disruptions that threatened to overshadow the election. SAFA increased security around the venue to protect delegates, officials and members of the media as the association proceeded with the voting process.
The Premier Soccer League retained its voting rights as a special member, alongside selected associate members. Meanwhile, organisations including the South African Masters and Legends Football Association remained unable to vote after their membership was placed in abeyance.
