Danny Jordaan Secures Fourth Consecutive Term as SAFA President, Defeating Zungu
Danny Jordaan has secured a fourth consecutive term as president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), defeating challenger Sandile Zungu by a comfortable margin at Saturday’s elective congress.
Jordaan received 157 votes to Zungu’s 82 at Vodacom World in Midrand, extending his record as SAFA president after first taking office in 2013.
The electorate comprised representatives from SAFA’s regional structures, associate member associations and the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which participated as a special member.
Outside the venue, chants and songs from Zungu supporters had suggested the businessman could mount a serious challenge to the incumbent.
Zungu entered the contest as the perceived public favourite, campaigning on promises of renewed leadership and reform across South African football rather than focusing heavily on the controversies that have marked Jordaan’s tenure.
However, Jordaan’s campaign appeared firmly in control throughout the day, with reports suggesting his Football Transformation Forum (FTF) had already secured the backing of most regional associations before voting began.
The congress was held under heightened security following reports of possible attempts to disrupt proceedings, with additional measures introduced for delegates, officials and members of the media.
Jordaan’s path to re-election was also strengthened by the absence of four of SAFA’s 52 regions.
Harry Gwala and Amajuba in KwaZulu-Natal, Sarah Baartman in the Eastern Cape and Pixley Ka Seme in the Northern Cape were disqualified after Friday night’s National Executive Committee meeting, meaning only 48 regions participated in the congress.
The excluded regions were reported to be supporters of Zungu’s “Zungu for Change” slate.
Alongside the regional delegates, the PSL and selected associate members exercised voting rights, while some organisations, including the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA), remained excluded after their membership and voting rights were placed in abeyance.
