Sandile Zungu gains backing from South African football legends in Safa presidency race

Sandile Zungu’s bid to become president of the South African Football Association has received the public backing of the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (Samfla), strengthening his campaign ahead of the organisation’s elective congress.

The Safa associate represents masters, legends and veterans who have played a part in the development and success of football in South Africa.

Samfla members from two structures in Soweto, as well as representatives from Sedibeng, North West, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, have endorsed Zungu.

The decision was announced by Samfla president Jacob “Buddha” Mathathe during a media briefing at the Zodwa Khoza Foundation in Diepkloof, Soweto.

The Safa elective congress is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 September.

“We have endorsed Sandile Zungu to be Safa president,” said Mathathe.

Mathathe, a former player for Benoni City and Witbank Black Aces, compared Zungu’s profile with that of Patrice Motsepe, who took over Mamelodi Sundowns and transformed the club into a highly efficient operation.

“We view Sandile as being in the same class as Patrice Motsepe, who took over Mamelodi Sundowns and turned it into a well-oiled machine.

“Sandile is a very successful businessman, like Motsepe, and he also owns a football club, AmaZulu.

“We believe that with Sandile as Safa president, our football will grow from strength to strength.”

Several prominent former players attended the briefing, including Samfla executive members Patson “Sparks” Banda, a former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, and his former team-mate Kagiso “Zero my Hero” Mogale, who was recognised for his dribbling ability.

Jan “Malombo” Lechaba was also present. He was previously a midfield workhorse and anchorman for Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Banda said Zungu would bring greater accountability to the national football association.

“Zungu will put Safa where it needs to be … Safa needs people who will be accountable.”

Lechaba said former players had not received sufficient recognition in South Africa and expressed confidence that their circumstances would improve under Zungu.

“SA is the only country where legends are not recognised … [but] our lives as football legends will change for the better with Zungu as Safa president.

“Legends will be involved in every way possible for the betterment of football in our country.”

Mathathe said the forthcoming congress should mark a significant change in the way Safa is governed. He called for former professional footballers to unite and seek formal representation in the association’s decision-making structures.

“The upcoming Safa elective congress must be a turning point. We are calling for absolute unity of all former professional football players to demand a seat at the decision-making table.

“The next leadership of Safa must formalise a structural framework that protects the welfare, health care, and economic future of the legends who gave everything to this country.”

The audio accompanying the story was generated using AI.