The race for the South African Football Association (SAFA) presidency has taken a significant turn, with the contest for the organisation’s top position gathering momentum ahead of the elective congress scheduled for September.
In the latest development, SAFA vice-president Bennett Bailey has officially withdrawn his candidacy and thrown his support behind AmaZulu FC owner Sandile Zungu.
According to eNCA, the move is expected to reshape the contest as challengers seek to unseat incumbent president Danny Jordaan, who is widely expected to run for a fourth term.
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Bailey confirmed that his decision followed extensive consultations and provincial engagements led by Zungu’s campaign team. Bailey said, “he has confidence that Zungu has the leadership qualities and support needed to mount a serious challenge against the long-serving SAFA president.”
Jordaan has yet to announce his candidacy formally, but reports suggest he remains the favourite to retain the presidency despite ongoing legal challenges and growing calls for change within South African football.
The leadership race has unfolded against a backdrop of divisions within SAFA’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Earlier this year, disagreements among officials escalated into public disputes, highlighting growing tensions over the future direction of the country’s football governing body.
The race for the next South African Football Association (SAFA) Presidential election is heating up, and it has taken another twist with a potential candidate and current SAFA Vice-President, Bennet Bailey, announcing his withdrawal from the race and backing AmaZulu owner Sandile…
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) July 6, 2026
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The nominations
The nomination process remains open until 29 July, after which SAFA will conduct integrity and eligibility checks before confirming the final list of candidates. 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.
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