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SAFA Elective Congress: Jordaan Seeks Fourth Term Amid Zungu Challenge and Governance Fights
The South African Football Association (SAFA) will hold its elective congress on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to decide whether incumbent president Danny Jordaan will secure a fourth term or whether businessman Sandile Zungu will take the helm.
Jordaan, who has led SAFA since 2013 and oversaw South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup bid, announced his intention to run again. Zungu, the owner of AmaZulu Football Club and a prominent entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a reformist challenger. The election will be decided by representatives from SAFA’s 28 regional associations.
The campaign has become a flashpoint for broader debates about football governance in South Africa. The Football Transformation Forum (FTF), a coalition that backs Jordaan, argues that the incumbent has secured a clear majority without resorting to “underhanded tactics.” According to the FTF’s chairperson Tankiso Modipa, “people are just seeing ghosts…our regions are not capable of intimidating anyone, and our regions are very clear.” The FTF claims that its members have a majority of votes and that intimidation is not a factor.
Opposing the FTF, the Save Our SAFA (SOS) movement has called for a change in the national governing body. SOS alleges that some regions held elections at the last minute to qualify for the congress and that these actions were designed to support Jordaan. Phil Mogodi, president of SAFA Gauteng, echoed SOS’s concerns. He said, “Coming to football, you will know that this thing started in 2009, and I have been one man standing, supporting change. We need good leadership in football.” Mogodi’s remarks highlight a perception that the current leadership may be resistant to reform.
The election process itself has been scrutinised by media reports. According to Briefly.co.za and IOL, both Jordaan and Zungu were cleared by SAFA’s Governance Committee for eligibility. The committee’s decision was announced on August 28, giving the two candidates a clear path to the ballot. The election will be conducted in accordance with SAFA’s constitution, which requires a simple majority of votes from the regional associations.
The stakes extend beyond the presidency. SAFA’s leadership has a direct impact on national team management, the allocation of Bafana bonuses, and the implementation of VAR technology in domestic competitions. A change in presidency could shift the balance of power among clubs, influence the distribution of sponsorship revenue, and alter the strategic direction of South African football on the continental stage.
In the days leading up to the vote, both camps have intensified their outreach. The FTF has mobilised its network of clubs, schools, and community groups to secure support for Jordaan. SOS, meanwhile, has organised rallies and social‑media campaigns to rally regional associations around Zungu. The tension has prompted several media outlets to call the congress a “watershed moment” for South African football.
The outcome of the election will have immediate implications for the national team’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the CAF Champions League. It will also determine the next steps for SAFA’s governance reforms, including potential changes to the structure of the National Executive Committee and the oversight of club licensing.
As the congress convenes on September 12, the football community will watch closely to see whether Jordaan’s bid for a fourth term is upheld or whether Zungu’s challenge signals a new era for SAFA. The decision will shape the trajectory of South African football for years to come.
Jordaan, who has led SAFA since 2013 and oversaw South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup bid, announced his intention to run again. Zungu, the owner of AmaZulu Football Club and a prominent entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a reformist challenger. The election will be decided by representatives from SAFA’s 28 regional associations.
The campaign has become a flashpoint for broader debates about football governance in South Africa. The Football Transformation Forum (FTF), a coalition that backs Jordaan, argues that the incumbent has secured a clear majority without resorting to “underhanded tactics.” According to the FTF’s chairperson Tankiso Modipa, “people are just seeing ghosts…our regions are not capable of intimidating anyone, and our regions are very clear.” The FTF claims that its members have a majority of votes and that intimidation is not a factor.
Opposing the FTF, the Save Our SAFA (SOS) movement has called for a change in the national governing body. SOS alleges that some regions held elections at the last minute to qualify for the congress and that these actions were designed to support Jordaan. Phil Mogodi, president of SAFA Gauteng, echoed SOS’s concerns. He said, “Coming to football, you will know that this thing started in 2009, and I have been one man standing, supporting change. We need good leadership in football.” Mogodi’s remarks highlight a perception that the current leadership may be resistant to reform.
The election process itself has been scrutinised by media reports. According to Briefly.co.za and IOL, both Jordaan and Zungu were cleared by SAFA’s Governance Committee for eligibility. The committee’s decision was announced on August 28, giving the two candidates a clear path to the ballot. The election will be conducted in accordance with SAFA’s constitution, which requires a simple majority of votes from the regional associations.
The stakes extend beyond the presidency. SAFA’s leadership has a direct impact on national team management, the allocation of Bafana bonuses, and the implementation of VAR technology in domestic competitions. A change in presidency could shift the balance of power among clubs, influence the distribution of sponsorship revenue, and alter the strategic direction of South African football on the continental stage.
In the days leading up to the vote, both camps have intensified their outreach. The FTF has mobilised its network of clubs, schools, and community groups to secure support for Jordaan. SOS, meanwhile, has organised rallies and social‑media campaigns to rally regional associations around Zungu. The tension has prompted several media outlets to call the congress a “watershed moment” for South African football.
The outcome of the election will have immediate implications for the national team’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the CAF Champions League. It will also determine the next steps for SAFA’s governance reforms, including potential changes to the structure of the National Executive Committee and the oversight of club licensing.
As the congress convenes on September 12, the football community will watch closely to see whether Jordaan’s bid for a fourth term is upheld or whether Zungu’s challenge signals a new era for SAFA. The decision will shape the trajectory of South African football for years to come.
