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

The Safa elective congress unfolds on Saturday afternoon, with incumbent Danny Jordaan and challenger Sandile Zungu locked in a secret ballot for the presidency. Safa's 52 regions play a pivotal role, with approximately 200 Local Football Associations (LFAs), special members like the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and associate groups participating in the vote.

Jordaan's fourth term bid appears stronger, as he garners support from key regional blocs through his Football Transformation Forum (FTF). In South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), chairperson Kwenza Ngwenya publicly backs Jordaan, stating the incumbent successfully mobilized regions early and sees no reason to change leadership. Meanwhile, Lebogang Riet, an NEC member and member of the Save Our SAFA faction, has filed a case against SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao at Kathu Police Station, alleging improper amendments to SAFA statutes and constitution to favor the incumbent.

In Cape Town, Safa vice-president Bennett Bailey endorses Zungu's campaign, citing administrative issues, disunity, and governance failures under Jordaan and Monyepao. Jordaan maintains strong backing in his home province, with six regions, including Nelson Mandela Bay, formally endorsing his candidacy. Sada Limpopo remains aligned with Jordaan following a major gathering in Bela Bela in July, where local regions endorsed his FTF campaign machinery.