Eastern Cape SAFA regions call for unity and football development before presidential vote

Eastern Cape football leaders have urged the South African Football Association (SAFA) to put unity and development at the centre of its leadership agenda ahead of the presidential elections on 12 September.

The province has eight SAFA regions, with five reportedly supporting incumbent president Danny Jordaan’s bid for a fourth term and two backing AmaZulu boss Sandile Zungu. The remaining region, Sarah Baartman, is yet to hold its elections after its congress collapsed amid allegations involving fraudulent vetting forms.

A case has since been opened against some members of SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) from the Football Transformation Forum (FTF), the lobby group supporting Jordaan’s campaign.

OR Tambo regional administrator Nowalaza, who was re-elected for a third term earlier this year, says the immediate focus should be on addressing the challenges facing football, particularly at school level.

OR Tambo includes Mthatha, Lusikisiki, Port St Johns and Tsolo, and has a reputation for producing some of the Eastern Cape’s leading football talent.

“I cannot say I’m happy or excited to be nominated because we don’t know what is going to happen on the 12th of September, but it’s the football challenges that I’m focusing on, especially schools football. We need somebody with a vision on how to take school football forward and how to take SAFA forward, which goes beyond just holding onto the position. I’m going to achieve my vision.”

Nowalaza has worked in football administration at several levels in the Eastern Cape and was previously one of the prominent figures involved in schools’ football. Although he is aligned with the FTF, he says the province requires leadership committed to strengthening every part of the game rather than simply protecting existing positions.

The contest has also divided the province’s regional structures. SAFA Amathole regional president Mbongeni Matanda is one of two known regional leaders supporting Zungu’s presidential campaign.

Matanda says football development must remain the central objective, regardless of which group emerges from the election.

Past SAFA elections have been followed by deep divisions, with disagreements before and after the vote contributing to the loss of leaders at various levels of football. Matanda believes unity must be treated as a priority and says the practice of removing football leaders because of political or factional differences should end.

The provincial, regional and local SAFA structures work closely with government. Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Sibulele Ngongo says the next leadership must show a genuine commitment to expanding the game and delivering effective programmes.

“All that we need from SAFA is leadership that is passionate about football, leadership that is selfless and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the game is developing. We want all the egos and pride to be left behind.”

The regional debate comes as the Eastern Cape prepares for a national election in which the province’s voting patterns could influence the balance between Jordaan and Zungu. While most of its regions are said to have already chosen sides, the unresolved Sarah Baartman process means the final provincial picture is not yet complete.

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