Jordaan and Zungu go head-to-head in Safa presidential contest

South African Football Association (Safa) delegates will choose between incumbent Danny Jordaan and challenger Sandile Zungu when the organisation’s elective conference takes place in Midrand on Saturday.

Jordaan, 75, is seeking to extend his presidency, but faces his strongest challenge since taking office in 2013. Zungu, 59, was born in Durban and has campaigned on a platform of good governance, an area in which Jordaan’s administration has faced repeated criticism.

A total of 265 votes will be cast for a range of important positions, including the presidency, by regional structures, the national executive committee (NEC), associate members and special members. The result is difficult to predict, with the two candidates appearing to be in a close contest.

Jordaan has overcome previous challenges comfortably, winning in 2018 and 2022, but Zungu has remained in the race and believes he can produce a major upset. Some observers feel Zungu began his campaign too late to dislodge Jordaan, who remains popular in the regions.

Zungu also lacks the backing of his home province, according to KwaZulu-Natal Safa chairperson Kwenza Ngwenya. Ngwenya has questioned Zungu’s experience and said Jordaan should remain in charge because his record is reflected in the international performances of South Africa’s national teams, including Bafana Bafana reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Zungu, chairman of Betway Premiership club AmaZulu, has said he has travelled widely enough to win over supporters who have traditionally backed Jordaan. His proposals include restoring integrity to football administration and strengthening grassroots, women’s and schools’ football.

“For me it’s important to sell a vision for the future of Safa because that’s where the biggest challenge is … We have stopped dreaming and we have been sucked into the present fighting over things that don’t build us,” Zungu said.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the future of South African football lies in reviving school football, it lies in understanding the full potential of women in football and supporting their endeavours. It also lies in us fixing governance and becoming a lot more accountable,” he added.

Zungu’s supporters believe his business experience can bring integrity and stability to Safa. AmaZulu have enjoyed consistent results under his leadership, including qualifying for the Champions League under coach Benni McCarthy. If elected, he would have to leave the club, as Patrice Motsepe did after becoming Caf president.

Jordaan has led Safa since replacing Kirsten Nematandani in 2013. His Football Transformation (FTF) group is seeking a fourth consecutive term, despite criticism of his limited public involvement in the election campaign and his legal troubles since 2024, when he was arrested with Safa CFO Gronie Hluyo over accusations that the organisation’s resources were used for personal benefit.

Jordaan denies wrongdoing and says the case was orchestrated by distractors within Safa who want to damage his reputation and drive away sponsors. He retains strong support among regional structures and the NEC, while critics blame him for weak football development, alleged poor governance and the handling of Pitso Mosimane’s proposed appointment to replace Hugo Broos as Bafana coach. Jordaan points to national teams qualifying for major tournaments and is credited with helping bring the 2010 Fifa World Cup to South Africa.