Safa’s Lebogang Riet withdraws criminal complaint against CEO Lydia Monyepao

South African Football Association (Safa) national executive committee member Lebogang Riet has withdrawn a criminal complaint against chief executive Lydia Monyepao after being advised to do so by his elders.

Riet also said his decision was shaped by the length of time other Safa-related legal disputes had taken to reach the courts.

The John Taolo Gaetsewe Safa region representative from the Northern Cape filed the complaint on the eve of Safa’s elective congress in Midrand last month. He accused Monyepao of distributing an election pack containing amended statutes without consulting members of the NEC.

The decision to abandon the case emerged on Sunday, the final day of Safa’s three-day ordinary meeting in Sandton. It came despite Riet 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. Also, I have seen cases involving Safa drag [on] for years … you saw what happened with Ria Ledwaba,” Riet said.

Ledwaba had sought to have the results of the 2022 election 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,” Riet added.

Riet 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.

Speaking about his relationship with the Safa administration following the election, Riet said his position was still one of caution.

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

Modipa welcomes Safa role

Newly elected Safa vice-president Tankiso Modipa said he felt privileged to have been appointed to a leadership position at Safa House.

Modipa was installed 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,” Modipa said.

A strong supporter of Jordaan, Modipa has previously confronted journalists while defending the Safa president.