“I Have To Remain Neutral”: Motsepe Breaks Silence On SAFA Election Battle Between Jordaan And Zungu
CAF President Patrice Motsepe says he maintains strong relationships with both Danny Jordaan and Sandile Zungu as the two prepare to battle for the SAFA presidency in September.
Motsepe confirmed that CAF, along with FIFA, will send representatives to observe the elective conference and ensure all procedures remain strictly above board.
Motsepe addressed the topic during his press conference in Sandton on Wednesday, where he was asked about CAF’s role in member federations’ presidential elections.
His wide-ranging briefing also covered the performance of the 10 African nations that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded on Sunday with Spain crowned champions.
The SAFA presidential race is gathering momentum following AmaZulu FC President Sandile Zungu’s official announcement that he will challenge incumbent Danny Jordaan.
While Zungu has publicly confirmed his candidacy, Jordaan has yet to launch an official campaign, though he retains strong backing across several SAFA regions for a potential fourth term.
Jordaan was first elected SAFA president in 2013 and secured a third term in 2022 after winning a landslide vote against Ria Ledwaba and Solly Mohlabeng at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) currently leans toward supporting Jordaan due to established protocol guidelines that Zungu reportedly bypassed when signaling his intention to run. However, insiders note that this stance could shift prior to the vote.
Out of the 11 SAFA regions in Zungu’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal, four have confirmed their support for his bid, while seven remain aligned with Jordaan.
Despite the complex regional dynamics, Zungu remains confident he can unseat Jordaan, who has faced persistent scrutiny over SAFA’s administrative performance.
Motsepe, however, insisted that his role as CAF president requires complete impartiality.
“We have to keep giving a message of positivity, and it is very clear that we have to unite and keep South African football together,” said Motsepe.
“Unity within SAFA and the relationship with the PSL are both very important.
“CAF will be there to support the process, and FIFA will also be there to make sure the protocols comply with the CAF and FIFA statutes and regulations.
“What the president of CAF cannot do is say, ‘I like this one, but I don’t like that one.’ We don’t do that.”
Motsepe drew parallels with a previous election in Ivory Coast involving football legend Didier Drogba.
“I had the same situation in Ivory Coast when Didier Drogba wanted to become president of the football federation. I like Didier Drogba because he made us proud, just as I like Samuel Eto’o.
“I’m proud of all our football legends. But our responsibility is to support a process that is conducted legally and ethically, ensuring that the candidate who wins is the one who has the support of football in that country.”
Motsepe also reflected on his long-standing relationships with both candidates.
“I know Danny Jordaan, and I know Sandile Zungu. Sandile was my secretary when I was president of Black Business, and I gave him the responsibility of helping to unite black and white business leaders.
“Danny phones me whenever he wants, and Sandile does the same. But they both understand that, as CAF president, I must remain impartial and neutral.”
The SAFA presidential elective conference will take place on 12 September, with the official venue to be confirmed.
