Sandile Zungu has accused SAFA of attempting to destabilise regions ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, but the businessman remains confident he can end Danny Jordaan’s 13-year tenure as president of South Africa’s football federation.
The SAFA elective congress takes place on 12 September, with Zungu campaigning on a platform centred on improving schools football, strengthening corporate governance and imposing greater financial discipline.
Jordaan is widely regarded as the favourite among the federation’s 52 regions, but Zungu insists his campaign has secured sufficient support to produce a decisive victory.
Speaking to the media in Sandton on Monday, Zungu outlined his vision for South African football, including his ambition to see the national teams achieve greater success at Fifa World Cup level. He also addressed allegations of political manoeuvring within SAFA as the election approaches.
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Several regions have reportedly been disqualified from participating in the congress, while legitimate candidates have also been removed from the electoral process. Zungu claimed the measures were being used to punish regions that had sought changes in leadership.
“We are obviously putting out a very brave face. We are seething with anger in terms of what is being done to regions,” he said.
Zungu said legal consultations were under way and insisted the challenges would not derail his campaign.
“There is an attempt at destabilising regions, but it will not sit. There is an attempt at committing electoral fraud. It will not succeed,” he said.
He also alleged that financial inducements were being offered to regions in exchange for their votes, although he provided no evidence publicly to substantiate the claims.
The businessman, who is president of AmaZulu, is viewed by supporters as a candidate capable of bringing stronger commercial and financial management to SAFA. KwaZulu-Natal could prove particularly influential, with its 11 regions representing the largest voting bloc.
The electorate comprises the regions, the Premier Soccer League as a special member and associate members. FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, SASCOC, the Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and other football stakeholders have been invited to the congress.
Should Zungu prevail, he will relinquish his position at AmaZulu as he begins the task of reshaping SAFA.