SAFA ELECTIONS | How the influential regions stand ahead of elective congress

The Safa elective congress will convene on Saturday afternoon for a secret ballot to elect a new president, with incumbent Danny Jordaan and challenger Sandile Zungu competing for the position. Safa’s 52 regions play a pivotal role in the voting process, with nearly 200 Local Football Associations (LFAs) and special members such as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and associate groups participating in the decision-making.

Jordaan is anticipated to secure a fourth term, backed by strong support from key regional blocs through his Football Transformation Forum (FTF). SAFA KZN chairperson Kwenza Ngwenya, who represents the largest regional voting block, has publicly endorsed Jordaan, stating that the incumbent successfully mobilized the regions early on and that there is no compelling reason to change the current leadership.

However, Lebogang Riet, an NEC member and part of the Save Our SAFA (SOS) faction, has lodged a case against SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, alleging improper amendments to SAFA statutes and constitution in favor of Jordaan.

On the other side of the contest, Safa Cape Town chairperson and vice-president Bennett Bailey has publicly endorsed Zungu's campaign, citing persistent administrative issues, disunity, and governance failures under Jordaan and Monyepao. Jordaan maintains strong backing in his home province, with six regions, including his hometown Nelson Mandela Bay, formally endorsing his candidacy, providing him with a significant regional buffer.

Sada Limpopo remains aligned with Jordaan, following a major meeting in Bela Bela in July, where local regions endorsed his FTF campaign machinery alongside delegates from across the country.