SAFA presidential candidate Sandile Zungu officially delivered his nomination documents to the association’s headquarters at SAFA House on Wednesday, with Sportswire understanding that 34 regional presidents and secretaries signed his nomination and acceptance forms.
Zungu, popularly known as “Manzini,” initially invited the media to witness the handover on deadline day—demonstrating his clear ambition to capture South African football’s top administrative position.
Although Zungu’s media liaison, Lerato Pilane, later confirmed the press briefing was cancelled due to a scheduling clash with a Betway Premiership launch, Zungu still made the trip to Nasrec to submit his paperwork before the deadline.
Either SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao or SAFA President Danny Jordaan’s personal assistant received Zungu’s candidacy papers at SAFA House. When Sportswire contacted Pilane to confirm who accompanied the AmaZulu president and who officially accepted the documents, she declined to divulge further details.
What Must Sandile Zungu Do to Pass the SAFA Eligibility Test?
With the papers delivered, Zungu’s nomination now moves to SAFA’s Governance and Eligibility Committee, headed by National Executive Committee (NEC) member Poobalan Govindisamy.
The Governance Committee is expected to announce next week whether Zungu passes the mandatory eligibility test.
When approached by Sportswire on whether the AmaZulu boss stands a realistic chance of passing the vetting process, Govindisamy stated that the committee would refrain from making public comments until they had thoroughly reviewed the submission.
Can Sandile Zungu Sit as an Official Delegate at the SAFA Congress?
In a official statement obtained by Sportswire, titled Sandile Zungu to Submit SAFA Presidential Nomination and Endorsement Documents, the businessman underlined his vision:
“This is a defining moment for South African football. Our campaign is built on the values of leadership, integrity, and accountability. We believe South African football deserves a future founded on excellence, unity, and sustainable growth. The submission of our nomination is the beginning of that journey.”
Despite Zungu’s optimism, questions remain regarding his delegate status for the elective congress. Under SAFA’s constitution, presidential candidates must sit as accredited delegates representing an official structure—either one of the 52 SAFA regions or the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
If the PSL nominates its own delegates excluding Zungu, it remains unclear through which regional structure Zungu will gain access to the floor.
While Sportswire confirmed that 34 regional presidents and secretaries signed Zungu’s nomination forms, the media request was cancelled, as Zungu submitted the nomination form at SAFA House on Wednesday. But also, there was no need for him to arrive in person at SAFA House because he could email the nomination and acceptance form.
An estimated 10 additional regions dealing with administrative issues have until 12 September, the day of the election, to finalize their status, after which they could join his campaign.
How Many Regions Are Supporting Danny Jordaan’s Re-Election?
Meanwhile, incumbent SAFA President Danny Jordaan—who has held the position since 2013—continues to gather heavy regional support under the banner of the Football Transformation Forum (FTF).
Jordaan recently campaigned in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, joined by regional leaders from KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend. The NEC, regional presidents—including SAFA eThekwini Chairman Kwenza Ngwenya—welcomed the incumbent into a packed room, singing “Danny Jordaan is my president.”
Sportswire understands that representatives from 35 regions across all nine provinces gathered in Polokwane to publicly demonstrate their backing for Jordaan’s re-election bid.
