SECURITY THREATS: High alert at SAFA congress as intimidation targets presidential showdown

The South African Football Association (Safa) is bracing for heightened security measures as tension escalates ahead of its electing congress on Saturday. Reports indicate that three regions – Amajuba (KZN), Sarah Baartman (Eastern Cape), and Pixley Ka Seme (Northern Cape) – have been barred from participating in the event, leaving 49 regions instead of the original 52. The decision to disqualify these regions has not been disclosed.

Safa's incumbent president, Danny Jordaan, and standing challenger AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu are set to vie for the top role in the association. Public opinion is divided, with a significant portion of regions supporting Jordaan for another four-year term, while members of the public and former National Executive Committee (NEC) members advocate for a change and back Zungu.

Safa released a statement on Friday evening confirming the heightened security due to escalating threats and intimidation surrounding the congress. The statement assured that the event would proceed as planned and emphasized Safa's commitment to protecting the right of members to freely elect their leaders. However, three regions have been excluded from the voting process, reducing the number of participating regions and raising concerns about the democratic process.

Marawa Sport Worldwide announced that the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (Samlfa) Gauteng has also been barred from voting, placing its membership and voting rights in abeyance. Samlfa had publicly endorsed Zungu, claiming that the incumbent president, Danny Jordaan, had failed both South African football legends and the broader football community.