ED AARONS

JOHANNESBURG - The long-predicted “war” in South African football’s corridors of power could be set to ignite this afternoon as Safa’s national executive committee (NEC) meets for the first time since the end of the World Cup.

Speculation is rife that Safa will officially launch a commission of inquiry into reports that Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza was attempting to launch a coup earlier this year. Also high on the agenda at Safa House today will be the revelations that certain senior members of the governing body including former LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan had their cars bugged, with current CEO Leslie Sedibe told to investigate the matter over the past week.

Attempts to contact him or Safa President Kirsten Nematandani yesterday proved futile but the latter told The Citizen earlier this week that he expected details of the commission – led by Safa vice-president and chairman of the constitutional and legal affairs committee Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana – to be unveiled today.

“It has to be subjected to the national executive committee – Chief has a responsibility to report back to us and I expect that will be at the first opportunity,” said Nematandani.

“I don’t want to rush to talk about it before seeing the agenda but it’s something we are all aware of.”

If successful, the commission would undoubtedly strengthen Jordaan’s position in the power struggle with his rival Khoza. Both men’s involvement with the 2010 World Cup saw them agree to a temporary cease-fire back in March but with the event now history, the gloves appear to be off.

The first move seemed to be made by Jordaan as he admitted obliquely that he was not interested in returning to his old job as CEO of Safa, clearing the way for Sedibe to stay in the position he has occupied since January.

That would leave Jordaan in a position to stand against Caf president Issa Hayatou when the elections take place in Egypt in September, although new rumours have hinted Khoza may also launch a campaign with backing from the ANC.

Another twist could also emerge from yesterday’s PSL executive meeting, where the body’s intention to challenge the results of last year’s Safa presidential election were expected to be discussed. If they do decide to ask for a new vote then it could throw the administration into turmoil, although it remains to be seen whether Khoza pursues that risky strategy.