Safa regions, NEC members back Zungu as race for presidency intensifies

AmaZulu FC chairperson Sandile Zungu’s SA Football Association (Safa) presidential campaign is on a roll before the elective congress in September.

Several regions and national executive committee (NEC)members have committed to back the astute businessman to end Danny Jordaan’s 13-year reign.

During his keynote yesterday at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, Zungu outlined his key six pillars, which he is adamant will drive his vision if he is elected as the new Safa president come the elections on September 12.

Based on the turnout of the Safa NEC members, several regions across all provinces, associate members, including football legends and stakeholders, one can easily say that Zungu has enough in his tank to go toe to toe with Jordaan.

All 11 Safa regions in KwaZulu-Natal, where Zungu originates, are believed to be behind him. Safa Johannesburg president Phil Mogodi believes in Zungu’s plans.

“Words and action are two different things but I am one person who is always willing to give people opportunities. I can say that I am 100% convinced by Mr Zungu’s vision,” Mogodi told Sunday World on the sidelines.

“He is a leader; he proved it with his club, AmaZulu, and based on his presentation to us, I believe he covered every aspect to convince all the other members of Safa that he is the real deal … And what I heard from Mr Zungu is massive. It is a turnaround strategy for our football development … The PSL will benefit from this vision; the players and corporates will come back to support our football,” Mogodi added.

As part of his strategy, the Usuthu head honcho expressed concerns over Safa’s constitution and integrity.
“The question now is whether those who stand up and say they are in support of Sandile Zungu will be slapped with a constitution that states their immediate suspension?” Zungu said.

“The weaponisation of the constitution must change because when you do that, you destroy the fabric of the institution that you lead. We have got to revisit the constitution … and make sure it lives beyond an incumbent. That on the eve of elections, some regions are fearful of being dissolved simply because they are aligned with a different faction. That cannot be acceptable,” Zungu said.

Yesterday, he introduced himself to the Safa NEC and regional members. They were who were left in awe by some of the companies he owns and those in which he has major stakes. They include Heineken, Vasari,Seriti and Unilever.
He has a stake in Takealot and Safair, among others, and owns Lanseria Airport.

Siyasanga Monoalibe