Sandile Zungu backed by South African football legends in Safa presidency bid

Sandile Zungu’s campaign to become president of the South African Football Association (Safa) has received the endorsement of the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (Samfla).

Samfla, a Safa associate organisation representing masters, legends and veterans of the game, announced its support for Zungu at a media briefing in Diepkloof, Soweto.

The endorsement was made by Samfla president Jacob “Buddha” Mathathe, with members from two structures in Soweto, as well as representatives from Sedibeng, North West, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, backing Zungu’s bid.

The Safa elective congress is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on 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 with Patrice Motsepe, who became owner of Mamelodi Sundowns and transformed the club into a highly organised 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 with Sandile as Safa president, our football will grow from strength to strength.”

Zungu is a businessman and the owner of AmaZulu. Samfla said his experience in business and football made him a suitable candidate to lead the national governing body.

Also attending the briefing were 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, a former midfielder and anchorman for Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, was also present.

Banda said Zungu would bring greater responsibility and accountability to Safa.

“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 backed Zungu to improve their position within the game.

“South Africa is the only country where legends are not recognised. 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 upcoming congress should mark a decisive moment for South African football and called on former professionals to unite.

“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 endorsement comes as the election campaign gathers pace ahead of the Safa congress in Johannesburg.

This story’s audio was generated using AI.