Zungu campaign proposes monthly grants for South Africa’s amateur football clubs

The Sandile Zungu campaign has pledged to introduce monthly grants for amateur clubs if it wins Saturday’s South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential election.

Grassroots development is a central part of Zungu’s platform, with the campaign arguing that clubs in the Local Football Association (LFA) and ABC Motsepe League need more consistent financial support.

Joe Seanego, chairman of Gomora United and a Zungu supporter, said SAFA should provide regular assistance to club owners competing at those levels. The leagues are key pathways for players progressing to Bafana Bafana and South Africa’s junior national teams.

“We are fully prepared; all 52 regions support us. Our goal is to transform football and ensure ongoing development and structural stability,” Seanego told KickOff.

He said the proposed system should extend beyond amateur clubs in Johannesburg, with properly established LFAs created in villages across the country to help identify emerging talent in rural areas.

“It is essential that support extends beyond amateur teams in Johannesburg. We must establish proper LFAs in villages across the country and identify promising young talents, such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, in rural areas,” Seanego said.

The campaign also wants LFA clubs to receive small grants to help owners dealing with financial pressure. Seanego said that approach would strengthen the supply of players to the country’s junior national teams and provide greater stability for regional football.

“Furthermore, clubs within the LFAs should receive small grants to assist owners facing financial difficulties, thereby fostering the production of talent for our junior national teams. It is vital that regional areas are consistently supported, not only during election periods. LFAs should also have designated soccer fields,” he added.

Seanego criticised the current priorities of SAFA, claiming money was being spent on election-related activities while Bafana Bafana players had still not received their World Cup earnings.

“South African football belongs to the nation and right now requires liberation. Despite Bafana Bafana players not yet receiving their World Cup earnings, SAFA and Daany Jordaan have booked hotel accommodations for individuals for an entire week. People have spent an entire week in an expensive hotel in Pretoria. While funds are allocated for votes, player salaries remain unpaid,” he said.

He added that the Zungu campaign had travelled across the country and secured backing from all 52 regions.

“Our campaign has reached every region in South Africa. We have traveled extensively across the country,” Seanego concluded.