SEDIBENG.- Former South African Football Association (SAFA) Lifetime President Dr Molefi Oliphant has broken his silence ahead of the highly publicised SAFA elections, where AmaZulu boss Sandile Zungu is challenging long-standing President Danny Jordaan.

In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Dr Oliphant remained diplomatic and avoided endorsing either candidate directly, though he strongly emphasised the vital need for organisational continuity.

Dr Oliphant explained that prospective leaders must understand the fundamental operational differences between professional football and a football association.

He added that the professional league focuses heavily on business and the game itself, whereas a football association centres primarily on development, including the growth of players, referees, and administrators.

Dr Oliphant emphasised that producing national team players requires a long-term process that starts at the grassroots level through amateur football leagues.

Arguing for stability, Dr Oliphant told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the next president should ideally come from within the existing SAFA structures, possessing a thorough understanding of operations from local football associations and regions.

While acknowledging that regions and SAFA associates have the constitutional power to elect their leaders, he questioned the nomination background of Mr Zungu.

“I am unsure who elected him as a member of the national league,” he said.

Dr Oliphant concluded that continuity should remain the priority until a natural generational change in administration takes place at SAFA Headquarters.