Sandile Zungu is confident he will win Saturday’s SAFA presidential elections and end Danny Jordaan’s 13-year reign, despite reports suggesting the incumbent remains the firm favourite among the 52 regions.
Addressing the media in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday, Zungu outlined his vision for South African football while raising concerns about the electoral process ahead of the September 12 vote.
The AmaZulu president claimed some regions and candidates had been unfairly affected in the build-up to the elections, while insisting his campaign has enough support to deliver a change in leadership.
“We are obviously putting out a very brave face. We are seething with anger in terms of what is being done to regions. Our legends here have been disqualified in the forthcoming elections and we believe unjustly.
“We believe some regions who are clearly forcefully pushing for change, there was an attempt to change leadership, which did not succeed. As punishment for them, they are being disqualified from participating in the forthcoming elections,” Zungu said.
Zungu said his campaign was consulting legal representatives over the disqualifications and would consider its options.
“As I am talking, there are consultations with legal people to see how to take that matter forward. Trust me, we take it very seriously. Notwithstanding, we will win these elections,” he said.
He also alleged that there were attempts to destabilise some regions, while making claims of possible electoral fraud.
“There is an attempt at destabilising regions, but it will not sit. There is an attempt at committing electoral fraud. It will not succeed,” Zungu said.
Zungu further referred to what he said was a charge laid in the Northern Cape against Jordaan and the SAFA CEO, relating to an allegation of constitutional fraud.
“You may be aware that there was a charge laid somewhere in the Northern Cape against the SAFA president and the CEO of SAFA for what is alleged to be defrauding SAFA constitutionally. It’s a very serious charge, in addition to many other charges that are facing the incumbent president. Those are being challenged and they will be challenged vigorously.”
Zungu did not provide further details of the alleged charge during his address, while the claims remain allegations.
He also claimed his campaign had received information about money allegedly being offered to regions in an effort to influence their votes.
“We will win these elections. We have done a lot of work above ground and we’ve done a lot of work underground and we are aware that promises of money are happening thick and fast.”
The claims come as Zungu attempts to unseat Jordaan, who has led SAFA since 2013.
Despite reports that Jordaan has significant support among the regions, Zungu remains adamant that his campaign has built enough backing to prevail.
“We will win these elections,” he said.
The SAFA elective congress takes place on Saturday, September 12.
