Sandile Zungu Vows to Rise Again After SAFA Election Defeat
AmaZulu FC boss concedes defeat to Danny Jordaan in SAFA elections, saying his reform campaign exposed entrenched problems in South African football governance.
By CHRIS MAKHAYE
AMAZULU FC owner and business tycoon Sandile Zungu has vowed to continue fighting for reform in South African football after losing his bid for the presidency of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Renewal campaign
Zungu, who campaigned on a platform of renewal, was defeated by incumbent Danny Jordaan at Saturday’s elective congress in Midrand. Jordaan won comfortably, securing a fourth term at the helm of SAFA with 157 votes to Zungu’s 82.
Beyond renewal, Zungu’s campaign emphasised governance and accountability, promising to professionalise SAFA’s administration and restore credibility. He pledged to revive grassroots football, strengthen schools competitions, and invest in women’s football. He also argued that football should be recognised as a multibillion‑rand industry capable of driving jobs and economic growth, with SAFA acting as a catalyst for development.
Zungu’s camp had alleged in the run‑up to the vote that delegates were bought to ensure Jordaan’s victory, and that entrenched elites were holding the game back for personal gain. Despite the loss, Zungu said he remained proud of his campaign and the issues it highlighted.
“The past few weeks and days have been extremely hectic. By now, I am sure you are all aware that my bid for the presidency of SAFA was not successful. It was fun, very much so. I may have lost the poll, but I genuinely feel I am a winner for daring to shine the light so unflinchingly on the challenges within SAFA, coming up with clear and practical solutions and volunteering to roll up my sleeves and to do the work,” Zungu said in a statement.
He thanked supporters for their prayers and endorsements, acknowledged contrarian views, and added: “Kuthiwa uZungu akawi, uyaguqa, kuthi noma bethi ufile, avuke njengedangabane. And so, I shall rise.”
Business profile
Zungu is the owner of resurgent AmaZulu FC, heads the Zico group of companies, and one of his entities is part of the consortium recently awarded the contract to run
the national lottery. These ventures have cemented his reputation as a tycoon in both sport and business.
Vote allegations
Zungu told journalists outside the congress that while his message resonated with many ordinary football lovers, it did not sway the majority of voting delegates. “Such is the nature of contestations. You win some and lose some. I lost and have personally congratulated Dr Danny Jordaan. I am really very easy about my fate, and I am in very high spirits,” he said.
Jordaan, meanwhile, hailed the outcome as a clear mandate for his leadership. He said the result showed confidence in SAFA’s current direction and promised to continue programmes aimed at stabilising the organisation and strengthening grassroots football.
Var Ahead
While Sandile Zungu described his defeat as a temporary setback, the victor Danny Jordaan faces a mammoth task. His fourth term will demand delivery on the long‑delayed introduction of VAR in South African football, the development of women’s football, the revival of grassroots structures, and the restoration of governance credibility. The election result highlights both the divisions within the game and the scale of responsibility now resting on Jordaan’s shoulders. TQ
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