Zungu confident of ending Jordaan’s 13-year SAFA presidency in election challenge

Sandile Zungu says he is confident of defeating Danny Jordaan in Saturday’s SAFA presidential election, despite reports that the incumbent remains the favourite across the organisation’s 52 regions.

Zungu, the AmaZulu president, is challenging Jordaan as he seeks a fourth consecutive term in charge of the South African Football Association (SAFA). Jordaan has led the organisation since 2013.

Speaking to the media in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday, Zungu set out his plans for South African football and criticised the conduct of the election campaign ahead of the 12 September vote.

He claimed some regions and candidates had been treated unfairly, including football legends who had been disqualified from contesting the election. Zungu also alleged that certain regions had faced pressure after attempting to change their leadership.

“We are obviously putting out a very brave face. We are seething with anger in terms of what is being done to regions. Our legends here have been disqualified in the forthcoming elections and we believe unjustly.

“We believe some regions who are clearly forcefully pushing for change, there was an attempt to change leadership, which did not succeed. As punishment for them, they are being disqualified from participating in the forthcoming elections,” Zungu said.

The AmaZulu president said his campaign was taking legal advice over the disqualifications and had not ruled out further action.

“As I am talking, there are consultations with legal people to see how to take that matter forward. Trust me, we take it very seriously. Notwithstanding, we will win these elections,” he said.

Zungu also accused unnamed individuals of trying to destabilise some regions and alleged that electoral fraud could be attempted. He did not provide evidence to support those claims during his address.

“There is an attempt at destabilising regions, but it will not sit. There is an attempt at committing electoral fraud. It will not succeed,” Zungu said.

He referred to what he described as a charge laid in the Northern Cape against Jordaan and the SAFA chief executive officer. According to Zungu, the allegation relates to constitutional fraud.

“You may be aware that there was a charge laid somewhere in the Northern Cape against the SAFA president and the CEO of SAFA for what is alleged to be defrauding SAFA constitutionally. It’s a very serious charge, in addition to many other charges that are facing the incumbent president. Those are being challenged and they will be challenged vigorously.”

Zungu gave no further details about the alleged charge. The claims remain allegations.

He also said his campaign had been told that money was being offered to regions in an attempt to influence how they vote.

“We will win these elections. We have done a lot of work above ground and we’ve done a lot of work underground and we are aware that promises of money are happening thick and fast.”

The allegations come as Zungu attempts to unseat Jordaan, who is seeking to extend his 13-year tenure at the head of SAFA. Reports have suggested that Jordaan has substantial backing among the regions, but Zungu insists his campaign has secured enough support to produce a change in leadership.

“We will win these elections,” he said.

The SAFA elective congress is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 12 September.