Sandile Zungu pledges bigger role for South Africa’s football legends

South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential candidate Sandile Zungu says football legends will be central to his plans if he defeats incumbent Danny Jordaan at this weekend’s elective congress.

The result is due to be known tomorrow, with Zungu promising to give former players a meaningful role in the development of the game, including the federation’s schools football programme.

Zungu said the country’s legends should be respected for their contribution to football and supported, regardless of the skills or opportunities they may still have.

“Let’s start with affirming the legends. These legends once played at the top level and some for an extended period of time became household names. They are the ones that made us to dream about our future roles in soccer because we were inspired by them,” he said this week.

“At the very least, keep them warm and make them feel important because this is the industry where they have given their all. Some of them don’t have much more in terms of skills. Don’t laugh at them, don’t shoot them down, (but) embrace them.”

The schools programme would provide a practical way for former players to remain involved, according to Zungu, who said each legend could be linked with a school.

“As we roll out schools soccer, we need all hands on deck. Every legend will have an opportunity to embrace and support a school,” he said.

“It’s very important that we rely on legends to roll out the schools program, so we will have to work with the legends to see what role they can play in that regard.”

Zungu also wants former players to help encourage the current generation of Bafana Bafana footballers.

He referred to an incident in Atlanta when South Africa’s legends were denied the chance to motivate the players, saying he did not know whether concerns about them receiving too much attention had influenced that decision.

“Even in terms of motivating the current crop of Bafana Bafana players. I know in Atlanta they were refused an opportunity to go motivate the players,” Zungu said.

“I don’t know if someone felt that they were going to take the glory away or take their shine, which is in my opinion very petty. Afford the legends an opportunity to have their presence felt.”

Zungu is challenging Jordaan for the SAFA presidency, with the federation’s congress set to determine who will lead the organisation.