Danny Jordaan uncertain about leaving SAFA presidency in 2030

South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan says he is not certain whether he will leave the organisation when his fourth term ends in 2030.

Jordaan was re-elected as SAFA president on Saturday after defeating AmaZulu owner and businessman Sandile Zungu by 157 votes to 82. The victory gives the 75-year-old another four-year mandate after first taking charge of the association in 2013.

However, rather than committing to stepping down at the end of his latest term, Jordaan has left the door open to remaining in the position beyond 2030.

He said the decision over whether he should continue or leave will ultimately rest with SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Jordaan’s comments are likely to fuel further debate about the future leadership of South African football, particularly given his long tenure at the top of the country’s governing body.

The veteran administrator has now secured four consecutive terms as SAFA president, having first been elected in 2013. His latest victory came despite a strong challenge from Zungu and a turbulent election period that was marked by tensions within the organisation.

Jordaan has played a significant role in South African football for decades and is widely associated with the country’s successful bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the first edition of the tournament to be staged in Africa.

He was also chief executive of the 2010 World Cup organising committee and was praised for his contribution to delivering the tournament successfully.

His continued leadership, however, has also been accompanied by controversy.

Jordaan is currently facing fraud and theft charges relating to allegations that SAFA funds were used for his personal benefit. He and his co-accused have denied wrongdoing, while the criminal case has yet to go to trial.

The latest election therefore represented an important test of his standing within SAFA, with Jordaan ultimately securing a clear majority over Zungu.

His re-election means he is set to remain at the helm as South Africa prepares for another period of major football development, including the continued growth of the national teams and domestic structures.

But his suggestion that his departure in 2030 is not guaranteed could ensure that questions about succession and leadership remain part of the conversation well before the end of his new mandate.

For now, Jordaan remains firmly in charge, having won the backing of SAFA’s voting delegates for another four years.

The question of whether 2030 will mark the end of his presidency, however, remains open.