Mama Joy backs Danny Jordaan to retain SAFA presidency over Sandile Zungu

Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke says Danny Jordaan will win the next South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential election, while Sandile Zungu’s turn will come in 2030.

The Bafana Bafana super fan said there was currently no better candidate than Jordaan to lead SAFA, despite the president facing fraud charges alongside his co-accused.

Chauke, who is secretary-general of the South African National Supporters (SANASU), said the organisation had chosen not to support either Jordaan or Zungu. However, she made clear that she personally intended to back the incumbent at the forthcoming conference.

“I will be going to the conference as a guest of the President of SAFA, Dr Danny Jordaan, to support him and wish him good luck. I’m a happy supporter. Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana are doing well; what else do I need as a supporter?” Mama Joy tells KickOff.

Jordaan is standing for another term as SAFA president, with Zungu among those challenging him. Chauke argued that the national teams’ recent progress meant there was no need for a change in leadership.

“The president still needs to lead us to AFCON and WAFCON, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and men’s World Cup. Why fix if not broken?”

She also said Jordaan should continue in his role while the legal proceedings against him remain unresolved.

“For now he is still a suspect [in his court cases]. He must continue to lead us. Let’s wait for Saturday; I believe he will be victorious,” she shared.

The SAFA president has not been found guilty in the cases, and Chauke said the delegates entitled to vote would determine whether he remained in office.

“If those who have the right to vote, vote for him, it means they know he’s the right candidate to lead us again.

“I am not scared; I am not shaken. Bab’ Zungu will win the next election in 2030, not this one. This one, Dr Jordaan will win it,” she adds.

Chauke was also asked about Jordaan’s decision not to reveal the salary of newly appointed Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.

She rejected the suggestion that the SAFA president was concealing the financial details, saying the information was private rather than deliberately withheld.

“He’s not hiding it; salary is confidential. He can’t just say it. 90 percent of wives do not know their husbands’ salaries.”

The comments come as the SAFA leadership contest enters its decisive stage, with Jordaan seeking to retain the presidency and Zungu attempting to unseat him. SANASU has maintained a neutral position between the candidates, although Chauke’s public support for Jordaan places her personal view firmly behind the current president.

The article also references FIFA conditions and a deadline affecting SAFA referees, as well as benefits for Bafana Bafana ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.