Mathathe condemns Safa decision to fund Danny Jordaan’s legal defence

Former South African Football Association (Safa) NEC member Jacob ‘Budda’ Mathathe says the organisation has “lost its soul” after endorsing president Danny Jordaan in his ongoing legal battles.

Safa recently announced that it had lodged no complaint against Jordaan, chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, former acting chief executive Russell Paul and Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling.

The four are involved in a long-running case at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where they face charges of theft, fraud and corruption relating to association funds.

Under resolutions approved by the newly elected NEC, Safa will cover the legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo to date. The association will also appoint legal counsel to monitor the proceedings, begin disciplinary action against people it believes are bringing Safa into disrepute, and formally notify the court of its position.

The NEC was inducted by Safa and Fifa officials in Sandton last week. Mathathe, who was prevented from standing for re-election after being deemed “non-compliant”, has criticised the decisions and said the SMLFA will continue campaigning for structural reform.

“That’s the reason we were fighting, and we are still going to fight for the soul of Safa,” Mathathe, who strongly opposed Jordaan’s attempt to win a fourth term at the recent elective congress, told IOL Sports.

“We won’t stop until certain objectives are achieved. It’s not about us; it’s about what is best for South African football and securing the right leadership for the country.

“This is not personal. Some of us have come full circle in football and ended up part of the highest decision-making body in the country. We understand the pain caused by a leadership that is self-centered and, to a large extent, corrupt.”

Mathathe also said he was shocked by the timing of honorarium payments made in the week before the elections. He believes the decision to support Jordaan was motivated by the personal interests of some NEC members.

“He is charged with allegations of theft and corruption against the very organisation he leads,” Mathathe said. “Any right-thinking person who isn’t self-centered or seeking personal gain would challenge that. It makes no sense for the same organisation to resolve to defend him and appoint legal counsel to protect him.”

He rejected Safa’s description of its critics as “disgruntled former members”, saying he was among those who had initially called for Jordaan to step aside until he was cleared of all charges.

Mathathe said the newly appointed leadership had disappointed him and suggested its backing for Jordaan would weaken scrutiny of Safa’s governance.

“It shows that people like us, who challenged these decisions and pointed out what was wrong, have been pushed out,” he said. “The new NEC, having supported this agenda, will not be critical of issues concerning governance or the broader health of Safa as an organisation.

“They are only looking after themselves. It compromises the image and brand of Safa – and that is truly sad.”