SAFA NEC Members Seek to Remove Danny Jordaan, Propose Dr. Irvin Khoza as Interim President
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is facing a leadership crisis as its National Executive Committee (NEC) moves to oust long-serving president Danny Jordaan. The proposed replacement is Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman and Orlando Pirates boss, Dr. Irvin Khoza, who is being positioned to step in on an interim basis.
Why the Push for Change?
Danny Jordaan, 73, who has been at the helm of SAFA since 2013, is under immense scrutiny due to legal issues and growing dissatisfaction within the NEC. Members like Bhudha Mathathe argue that Jordaan’s ongoing court cases make him unfit to continue as president.
“He’s on bail facing serious charges, so he should not be at the NEC, let alone chair it,” Mathathe told Sowetan Live. “We know Dr. Irvin Khoza is one of the witnesses, and there are NEC members who may be witnesses too. It’s nothing personal – he has to follow the law.”
Jordaan is currently embroiled in legal battles, including charges of embezzlement and fraud. Additionally, SAFA has struggled financially, including difficulties paying national team expenses, prompting intervention from the government. These issues have heightened calls for a leadership change.
Why Dr. Irvin Khoza?
Proponents of the move believe Dr. Irvin Khoza has the expertise and leadership skills to stabilize SAFA during these turbulent times.
“He [Khoza] won’t have to be there on a full-time basis. He would provide guidance,” said Mathathe. “We are in a difficult financial position where we are failing to pay salaries and national teams. Dr. Khoza has the expertise to get us out of these problems.”
Khoza’s name, however, comes with its own complexities. SAFA and the PSL, under his leadership, have frequently clashed over issues such as fixture scheduling, refereeing standards, and financial governance. Despite this, many see him as a seasoned leader capable of addressing SAFA’s pressing challenges.
Jordaan’s Defense and Allegations of Retaliation
Jordaan’s camp is expected to resist the NEC’s attempts to oust him. Mathathe alleges that Jordaan may be seeking to silence dissent by suspending outspoken NEC members like himself, Gladwyn White, and Monde Montshiwa.
“I have heard I could face suspension, but that won’t pass because I was elected by the SAFA Congress. I can’t be suspended by NEC members,” said Mathathe.
SAFA statutes do allow for immediate suspension of a member by the NEC in cases of serious violations, but only the Congress has the ultimate authority to suspend elected members.
The Bigger Picture
Jordaan’s leadership, which began in September 2013, has been a mix of triumphs and controversies. He was re-elected in 2022, announcing it as his final term. However, his tenure has been marred by legal troubles and SAFA’s financial struggles.
The NEC meeting on Saturday is now a pivotal moment in SAFA’s history, with potential ramifications for local football governance. If Khoza is appointed, it will mark a significant shift in leadership during a time of strained relations between SAFA and the PSL.
What’s Next?
The outcome of Saturday’s NEC meeting will determine whether Jordaan can fend off the rebellion or if SAFA will undergo a leadership overhaul. Either way, the spotlight remains on SAFA’s ability to navigate this period of uncertainty while safeguarding the future of South African football.
This developing situation will undoubtedly have widespread implications for SAFA’s operations and its relationship with stakeholders like the PSL and government bodies.
