Real work begins for Jordaan

Football | South Africa

With the SA Football Association (Safa) elections done and dusted, new president Dr Danny Jordaan will have little or no time to celebrate as he sets out to deliver on his campaign promises.
The former SA 2010 Fifa World Cup chief executive takes over from Kirsten Nematandani following a 162-88 votes landslide victory over Mandla Mazibuko on Saturday. Jordaan had been a the favourite for the hot seat since the announcement of the presidential candidates three weeks ago.
Last-minute court cases nearly disrupted the elections but all cases were resolved in time for the elections. This, according to Jordaan, was a significant development for his camp.
"We started campaigning almost a year ago," he said as he rushed from the election venue to address a waiting and impatient media in the building across the election venue. "But it was clear after this morning (Saturday) that we were on the right track."


The Xhariep and Sisonke Rregions had taken their matters to the Johannesburg South Gauteng High Court on Friday as they were not happy with delegates selected to represent them. But this was referred back to the Safa Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) which resolved the matter on the same night.
Another matter involving Safa Capricorn Region was also dismissed by the High Court and referred back to the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. The matter also resolved paved the way for a new Safa leadership.

Once the voting for the presidential position was finalised, Jordaan emerged as a the winner. This prompted his rival Mazibuko to withdraw from the race for vice president. This in an effort to save face, as it became clear that he would not garner enough votes to unseat any of the candidates from Jordaan’s camp.
That was followed by further withdrawals from Mazibuko’s camp for national executive (NEC) positions. The vice presidents positions went to Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana who garnered 197 votes, Lucas Nhlapo (173) and Elvis Shishana who got 167 votes. The other vice president of the Association is Premier Soccer League chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

The 10 members of the National Executive Committee are:, Gladwin White, Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya, Nomsa Mahlangu, Poobalan Givandasamy, Xolile Nkompela Truman Prince, Ria Ledwaba, Sam Masitenyane, Advocate Norman Arendse and Natasha Tsichlas.