SAFA Johannesburg throws support behind Zungu in presidential race

SAFA Johannesburg has formally declared its backing for AmaZulu FC chairman Sandile Zungu in the upcoming South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential election, with regional vice-president Joe Seanego calling for a change of leadership at the top of the organisation.

The election, scheduled for September, is expected to be a straight contest between incumbent president Danny Jordaan and Zungu, who is bidding to unseat the long-serving administrator.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Seanego said the Johannesburg region believed a new direction was needed for South African football and that Zungu was better placed to deliver it.

“As SAFA Joburg, we want president Zungu to take over SAFA,” Seanego said. “He has the qualities and understands what is needed to run an organisation. He knows what the regions want and what is needed for football development, from grassroots level. We cannot only concentrate on men’s football but also Banyana Banyana.”

Women’s game “suffering”

Seanego was particularly critical of the state of the women’s game, arguing that it highlighted broader failures in the current administration.

“Remember as we speak, ladies football is suffering. It depends on us to progress,” he said.

He accused unnamed figures of engaging in “dirty” political manoeuvring in the build-up to the election, across SAFA’s 52 regions.

“We have 52 regions and we know they are already starting to play a dirty game. They are playing mind games with the regions,” he claimed.

“The man has been there for more than two terms. He failed to deliver, in terms of South African football, so what difference is he going to bring if he is to continue as the president? And also, the age is no longer on his side. We need a young man who can be able to run. And to make sure that he implements policies and whatever.”

Constitution fears and suspension claims

Seanego, who is also chairman of Gomora United, alleged that the current SAFA leadership was attempting to reshape the association’s constitution to strengthen its own position ahead of the vote.

“They want to change the constitution and now we are very aware that they are suspending members if they are not raising hands for them,” he said.

“They must stop this dirty game thing of suspending members. If they do that, it won’t be a free and fair elections. They must stop promising people jobs and positions because we need incredible people holding those positions. So we can govern our football with proper development.”

Despite predicting a “tough” electoral contest, Seanego insisted the region would not be deterred from backing Zungu’s challenge.

“It’s going to be a tough one but we believe that we are going to contest. We hope they will step back and give the other people a chance,” he added.

Call for end to long-term presidency

Seanego argued that Jordaan’s lengthy spell in charge – which he described as “over 10 years” – had not produced sufficient progress on or off the pitch.

“We are not seeing progress in terms of that and now they are telling us that football is running properly. What is going to change now after so many years with no change? People have to change,” he said.

He also referenced the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saying continental officials were monitoring the situation and had raised the importance of a credible process.

“Even at CAF they know very well what is going to happen, which is why they said they will make sure our elections are going to be fair. Why do they have to be neutral now? They’re not supposed to be neutral. Look at CAF, they changed the leadership and there is progress in terms of African football.

“We see a lot of progress, now we have to change at SAFA as well. We can not have one person over and over again and there’s no changes. He has got his own term, so let’s give other people an opportunity to raise their hands.”

Push for open contest

Seanego urged regional delegates not to be intimidated and to feel free to express support for Zungu without fear of repercussions.

“Why is it that you know what is right, but you are afraid to stand because you’re afraid to be victimised? We want people to raise their hands to say, ‘Here we are and we are going to vote for president Zungu to take over’,” he said.

“The man has raised his hand, so let’s all as South Africans support him. He needs everyone’s support and people should not be victimised. Why should you be victimised? We are not here to be victimised. People are getting suspended from the regions. Why is that happening? It’s not fair, allow them to go there and vote. Why are you scared.

“We are going to fight and put in a challenge and go to the ballot with high confidence,” Seanego concluded.

SAFA has not responded in this article to the specific allegations made by Seanego.