Zungu challenges Jordaan for Safa presidency in Saturday vote

Danny Jordaan is seeking a fourth term as president of the South African Football Association (Safa), but faces a challenge from AmaZulu FC chairperson and business tycoon Sandile Zungu in Saturday’s election.

The contest has prompted intense debate over the direction of South African football, with delegates due to decide who will lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Jordaan, 75, has held the presidency since 2013. His campaign is built around his experience and record in the role, including Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Although he continues to face legal battles, Jordaan retains significant support from Safa’s regions and its national executive committee. Both groups are central to the voting process and could play an important role in determining the outcome.

Zungu, 59, has made good governance the central theme of his campaign, targeting an area in which Jordaan’s administration has repeatedly faced criticism.

The AmaZulu FC chairperson has pledged to restore integrity within South African football, strengthen grassroots development and give greater priority to women’s and school sports.

His supporters believe he can provide the federation with stability and ethical leadership, while the campaign has also attracted backing from those calling for a change in governance.

The result remains difficult to predict, with Safa stakeholders divided between those seeking a fresh approach and those who favour continuity under Jordaan.

Zungu remains confident of victory.

“We will win these elections,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of work above ground, and we’ve done a lot of work underground.”

Delegates will cast their votes on Saturday to decide whether Jordaan remains in office or Zungu becomes Safa’s next president.

TimesLIVE asks: do you think Zungu will unseat Jordaan as Safa president?