Safa presidency: Sandile Zungu counting on KwaZulu-Natal backing and King Misuzulu endorsement

AmaZulu chairman Sandile Zungu believes support from KwaZulu-Natal, reinforced by a public endorsement from Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, can help him defeat incumbent Danny Jordaan in the South African Football Association (Safa) presidential election.

The Safa elective congress takes place on Saturday, with Zungu saying his campaign has made progress across the organisation’s 52 regions, including all 11 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Zungu, a prominent businessman and chairman of AmaZulu FC, has received the backing of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who has urged football leaders to support his bid for the presidency.

AmaZulu royal chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi said the King had called on each of KwaZulu-Natal’s 11 Safa regions to unite behind Zungu. He also appealed to Kwenza Ngwenya, the Safa KZN provincial chairperson, to respond to the monarch’s message and help resolve divisions in the province before delegates attend the congress.

“We are urging and hoping that Mr Kwenza Ngwenya will heed the call made by His Majesty that all football regions must put their differences aside and go to the congress as one,” Zondi said.

“This is not about individuals, but the province and the future of football.”

Speaking at a media briefing in Sandton on Monday, Zungu also stressed the influence of the King’s position and appeared to caution delegates who might choose not to follow it.

“KZN is divided. I come from that province, and I was nominated from KwaZulu-Natal. Trust me, a lot of good work has been done there,” he said.

“Out of 11 regions, we may not get all of them, but we will secure the backing of the majority, and that is for certain.”

Zungu added: “King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has pronounced his support for my Safa candidacy. Those who come from the region know the word from the King carries immense weight, whether you like it or not.

“Even if you defy it, you know your conscience will bother you. So, those who defy the King’s instruction, bayobonakala ngombala [we will see their true colours].”

The AmaZulu chairman also played down the impact of Jordaan’s recent campaign visit to Durban, disputing the suggestion that the incumbent had built momentum in the province.

“We saw the pictures of what we call the ‘Last Supper’ in Durban recently, and you could see people who were unhappy hanging around [Jordaan],” Zungu said.

“All I can say is that KZN is gone that I can assure you. KZN is gone, and that gives us confidence that we are marching forward to victory come 12 September.”

KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 11 of Safa’s 52 voting regions, making it one of the largest blocs in the presidential contest. The result on 12 September will show whether the King’s endorsement and Zungu’s regional campaign have secured enough support at the ballot.