Why Sandile Zungu faces a tough challenge to Danny Jordaan’s SAFA presidency

Sandile Zungu faces a difficult task if he is to replace Danny Jordaan as president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), with the organisation’s voting structure heavily weighted towards regional power bases.

Jordaan has held the presidency for 13 years. According to a detailed report by Cash n Sport, the system makes a change in leadership difficult without significant political movement within SAFA’s internal structures.

The association operates through a three-tier system, with influence built up from local football to the national Congress.

More than 340 Local Football Associations (LFAs) form the base of the structure. They oversee fixtures, player registrations, local competitions and grassroots development across South Africa.

Every four years, clubs elect their LFA executive committees by secret ballot. The LFAs then feed into 52 regional associations, each representing several local bodies and holding considerable influence within SAFA.

Every four years, LFA delegates attend regional congresses to elect their regional executive committees, including the regional president. Those regional associations are each entitled to three delegates carrying four votes at the SAFA National Congress, in line with the SAFA Constitution.

The elective national Congress also takes place every four years. The last was held in 2022 and the next is scheduled for 2026, unless an extraordinary Congress is called under strict conditions.

There are 265 votes at the Congress, all cast by secret ballot. The 52 regions control 208 votes between them, with each region holding four.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) has 41 votes. The remaining votes are held by the National Soccer League (PSL), as a special member, and nine associate members, including the Coaches Association, referees, schools football and women’s football.

A presidential candidate needs a two-thirds majority in the first round. If a second ballot is required, a simple majority of 50% plus one is enough.

The structure is further complicated because some regional presidents also sit on the NEC. That gives them a role in national policy while also providing influence over how their regional delegates vote.

Financial issues have added to scrutiny of the organisation. SAFA paid R20.8 million in honorariums in 2022, in the period leading up to the presidential election. Each NEC member received R520,000, with 40 committee members receiving the payment.

The payments are legally permitted and described as recognition for service, but their size and timing have prompted questions from media and football stakeholders, particularly as SAFA faces financial strain and requires government bailouts.

Government intervention is also restricted by FIFA rules, which prohibit political interference in national football associations. Such intervention can lead to a ban, removing access to FIFA competitions, funding and hosting rights, while clubs and national teams can also be prevented from competing internationally.

Kenya was suspended in February 2022 after its government dissolved the Football Kenya Federation executive committee. Zimbabwe was also banned for similar government interference.

As a result, change must come from within SAFA’s Congress. Reports suggest Jordaan is open to seeking another term, leaving Zungu and other challengers reliant on support from regional power bases that have historically backed the current leadership.