SAFA’s new vice-presidents bring experience from grassroots to global football

Linda Zwane, Natasha Tsichlas and Tankiso Modipa have been appointed vice-presidents of the South African Football Association (SAFA), joining Danny Jordaan’s leadership team for a further four-year term.

The trio were elected after SAFA’s recent national executive committee meeting in Sandton. Their appointments bring a combination of grassroots administration, club leadership and development experience to the organisation as it works towards its Vision 2030 strategy.

Zwane’s focus on wider access

Zwane began his football administration career in 1996, having previously played for Botleng Classic FC and briefly worked as a coach. He progressed through local and regional structures in Mpumalanga before taking on senior roles in provincial and national football.

He has been president of SAFA Nkangala and has also held positions within the Victor Khanye Local Football Association. Away from SAFA, Zwane is president of the Mpumalanga Sport Confederation and serves on the SASCOC board, where he chairs the Coaches Commission.

His regional influence extended further in May 2026, when he was appointed to the COSAFA executive committee.

Grassroots development, fairer distribution of resources, coach education and stronger schools football structures are among Zwane’s stated priorities. A key task will be widening access to the game beyond established football centres, particularly for players in rural and township communities.

Tsichlas offers long-term experience

Tsichlas has spent decades in football administration and is best known for her time as managing director of Mamelodi Sundowns.

She worked alongside her late husband, Angelo Tsichlas, during an important period in the club’s development. Mamelodi Sundowns went on to become one of the most successful clubs in South African football.

Her work has also included roles within SAFA and international football structures, including involvement in preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Tsichlas remains one of the most prominent women in a football administration environment that has traditionally been dominated by men. Her experience will add continuity to SAFA’s leadership, while women’s football development and the wider professionalisation of the sport remain important areas of responsibility.

Modipa steps up from Western Cape

Modipa is the newest member of the vice-presidential group, replacing Bennett Bailey.

He has held leadership positions within SAFA’s Western Cape structures and served on the national executive committee. Modipa is also chair of the National Working Committee of the Football Transformation Forum, which supported Jordaan during the recent presidential election.

His background gives the national leadership a perspective shaped by football development outside South Africa’s main centres. His promotion provides an opportunity to bring concerns about access, transformation and pathways for young players into national decision-making.

The three vice-presidents will work with chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao to help deliver SAFA’s Vision 2030. Jordaan has placed schools football, player development and national-team excellence among the organisation’s main priorities.

Their tenure will ultimately be assessed through measurable progress, including stronger grassroots structures, improved coaching pathways and greater opportunities for players throughout the country.