Death threats rock SAFA election ahead of Saturday’s crucial vote

SAFA confirmed that other delegates have been harassed and intimidated. The organisation is preparing for a crucial election that will determine its leadership.

“Several delegates have received death threats while others have been harassed and intimidated ahead of the SAFA Elective Congress,” SAFA said in a statement.

The association has taken the threats seriously and confirmed that the police will be notified accordingly. Security around the venue has also been tightened ahead of Saturday’s election.

WHY HAVE SAFA DELEGATES BEEN THREATENED?

The SAFA Elective Congress will take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The association insists that the election will go ahead as planned.

“SAFA takes these threats very seriously and the police will be notified accordingly,” the association said.

The FA described the latest developments as an escalation following what it called calculated attempts to derail the Elective Congress and cast aspersions about the electoral processes.

Also read: Danny Jordaan fraud case postponed again as legal battle drags on

The association says weeks of planning and preparation have gone into the event. The Congress will proceed despite the threats.

“The Elective Congress will go ahead as planned after weeks of planning and preparation,” SAFA confirmed.

The association also stressed that its members must be allowed to exercise their voting rights freely.

“SAFA will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice,” the statement added.

Also read: SAFA election: The numbers that could decide Danny Jordaan vs Sandile Zungu race

WHO WILL BE ELECTED AT THE SAFA CONGRESS?

The elections will cover the position of SAFA president, the National Executive Committee and provincial office bearers.

The presidential contest has attracted significant attention, with incumbent Danny Jordaan facing challenger Sandile Zungu.

The voting members on Saturday will include the SAFA Regions, the Premier Soccer League as a Special Member and Associate Members.

The election comes after weeks of controversy surrounding the governance and electoral processes within the association.

SAFA held an Extraordinary NEC Meeting in Midrand on Friday as the organisation made its final preparations for Saturday’s Congress.

The association has also invited several major football and sporting stakeholders to attend the event.

Those invited include representatives from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, SASCOC, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, as well as legends of the game.

With security now increased around the venue, all eyes will be on Saturday’s SAFA Elective Congress as members prepare to decide the future leadership of South African football.

WHO HAS LED SAFA SINCE 1991?

SAFA has had six presidents since the unified association was formed on 8 December 1991.

The presidents, in chronological order, are:

• Mluleki George (1991 to 1992): George served as the interim chairman and first leader of the unified association following the merger of South Africa’s historically divided football structures.
• Prof. Lesole Gadinabokao (1992 to 1994): Gadinabokao became the second president of the newly unified SAFA.
• Solomon “Stix” Morewa (1994 to 1997): Morewa served as executive president before resigning in early 1997.
• Dr. Molefi Oliphant (1997 to 2009): Oliphant led SAFA for more than a decade. He currently holds the position of Honorary Life President.
• Kirsten Nematandani (2009 to 2013): Nematandani was elected unopposed in 2009 and served one four year term.
• Dr. Danny Jordaan (2013 to present): Jordaan became the sixth president of SAFA in 2013 and is currently serving his third term.

WHAT OUTCOME DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE SAFA ELECTIVE CONGRESS?

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