Safa official withdraws criminal case against CEO after advice from elders

Safa national executive committee (NEC) member Lebogang Riethas has withdrawn a criminal complaint against the association’s chief executive, Lydia Monyepao, after being advised to do so by his elders.

Riethas, from the John Taolo Gaetsewe Safa region in the Northern Cape, also said he had been influenced by seeing other legal disputes involving Safa continue for years.

He lodged the complaint on the eve of Safa’s elective congress in Midrand last month. Riethas accused Monyepao of distributing an election pack containing amended statutes without consulting NEC members.

The decision to abandon the case emerged on Sunday, the third and final day of Safa’s first ordinary meeting since the elections. It came despite Riethas telling Sowetan last month that he would not withdraw the complaint.

“I decided to withdraw the case because I was advised to do so by my elders, who I can’t mention. I listen to my elders,” he said.

“Also, I have seen cases involving Safa drag [on] for years … you saw what happened with Ria Ledwaba. [She wanted the 2022 election results overturned, but the supreme court dismissed her case with costs in February.]

“I don’t want to always be in courts and in the media, especially because I am one person who puts Safa first, so I realised that it wasn’t worth it now.”

Riethas is also chairperson of the Football For Change lobby group, which supported Sandile Zungu’s unsuccessful campaign for the Safa presidency. Zungu was defeated by incumbent president Danny Jordaan.

He said his relationship with the Safa administration following the election remained uncertain.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone because I put Safa first,” said Riethas, who attended the ordinary meeting in Sandton.

Jordaan’s new deputy speaks of ‘honour’

Newly elected Safa vice-president Tankiso Modipa said he felt privileged to have taken up a new position at Safa House.

Modipa was appointed as one of Jordaan’s deputies, alongside returning vice-presidents Linda Zwane and Anastasia “Natasha” Tsichlas.

“It’s an honour to serve my country, especially in the management position. Many want to be here one day, so I count myself lucky to form part of Safa’s presidency,” he said.

Modipa was one of Jordaan’s strong supporters during the election and has previously confronted journalists while defending the Safa president.