By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Businessman and Amazulu FC president Sandile Zungu has officially declared his candidacy for the running of presidency of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Zungu officially kicked off his bid—presenting his vision to usher South African football into a new era against incumbent Danny Jordaan—at an event attended by SAFA regions, NEC members, and football stakeholders.
He pointed out that soccer is a powerful engine for the nation’s economy, fuelling the GDP and creating jobs for hundreds of thousands.
He stressed that soccer’s value lies not just in the passion it ignites, but also in its far-reaching economic influence.
“Football is an industry, football is real business, yet we continue to treat it as though it were merely a recreational activity… an extension of a hobby,” Zungu says the sport has been undermined as an economic sector.
Zungu identified the revival of school football, the growth of women’s football and improved governance as the key pillars of his campaign.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the future of South African football lies in reviving school football, it lies in understanding the full potential of women in football and supporting their endeavours and it also lies in us fixing governance and becoming a lot more accountable, “he added.
Zungu believes football legends have an important role to play in restoring belief and reconnecting the game with supporters.
“The importance of legends is very important because these are people that have played the game, inspired communities and a lot of the players that are playing now, they’re a huge part of restoring enthusiasm and therefore cannot be left behind,” he said.
“The presence of Lucas Radebe embodies us, it’s a shot in the arm because when I spoke to him he said he only supports the best and for him to regard our administration as that fills us with humility and spirit.”
SAFA vice-president Bennett Bailey has officially withdrawn his candidacy and thrown his support behind Zungu.
Bailey said he initially entered the race because he believed change was needed within the association, but was convinced by Zungu’s vision.
“I picked my hand up because I thought we needed change and I have a track record that proves I can with my own region, but when Zungu came through, I felt that was a man I can support, “he said.
Nominations for the SAFA elections opened on 13 June and will close on 29 July.
Delegates from the association’s structures across South Africa will then vote for the next leadership at the elective congress on 12 September 2026.
The outcome of the election is expected to shape the future of South African football, with key issues including governance, financial stability, youth development, women’s football, and the continued growth of the national teams expected to dominate the campaigns.