By OkayGoal
Danny Jordaan
Danny Jordaan has been re-elected as South African Football Association (SAFA) president after comfortably defeating challenger Sandile Zungu at the association’s elective congress in Midrand.
Jordaan secured 157 votes to Zungu’s 82 at Vodacom World on Saturday, extending his tenure with a record fourth consecutive term as head of South African football’s governing body.
The voting was carried out by representatives from SAFA’s regional structures, associate member associations and the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which participated as a special member.
Outside the congress venue, vocal supporters of Zungu created an impression that the challenger could be on course for an upset victory.
Zungu, who entered the contest as the perceived public favourite, campaigned on promises of renewing South African football rather than focusing heavily on the controversies that have surrounded Jordaan’s presidency since he took office in 2013.
However, Jordaan’s campaign appeared firmly in control throughout the day, with reports suggesting he had already secured the backing of most of SAFA’s 52 regional associations before voting began.
The congress took place under heightened security following reports of possible disruptions that could have prevented proceedings from going ahead.
SAFA increased security measures for delegates, officials and members of the media as voting got under way.
Only 48 of the association’s 52 regions participated in the congress after four regions Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Sarah Baartman and Pixley Ka Seme were disqualified following a National Executive Committee meeting on Friday night.
The excluded regions had reportedly supported Zungu’s “Zungu for Change” slate, a development that strengthened Jordaan’s position before ballots were cast.
The PSL retained its voting rights alongside selected associate members, while other bodies, including the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA), remained unable to vote after their membership was placed in abeyance.