SEDIBENG.- Danny Jordaan has been re-elected as the South African Football Association (SAFA) president for the next four years thanks to Dr Molefi Oliphant.
Oliphant, a former SAFA boss and a lifetime president, played a huge role in Jordaan retaining his position. The elections were held in Johannesburg on September 12.
Jordaan beat AmaZulu boss Sandile Zungu hands down, collecting 157 votes while Zungu managed only 82.
No one expected such a huge vote gap between the two candidates, given all the drama before the elections, with many publicly declaring their support for Zungu.
At one stage, it looked like Zungu would definitely be crowned the new SAFA president, as he enjoyed a lot of publicity on social media platforms, contrary to Danny. There were allegations leveled against Jordaan, but Danny remained silent.
However, Oliphant, who is a respected figure in South African football, came to Jordaan’s rescue when he said anyone wanting to be SAFA president must understand how the football association works.
He said the president must be experienced and come out of SAFA structures. He further said there is a huge difference between a professional football league and a football association.
There was no shortage of drama.
On election day, some of the most powerful figures in South African football, Dr Irvin Khoza and Kaizer Motaung, shared the stage with Jordaan and congratulated him on being re-elected as SAFA president.
The presence of these two stalwart football administrators could also have played in Jordaan’s favour.
There was no shortage of drama as three regions, including South African Masters and Legends Football Association members, got kicked out of the elections.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Oliphant said justice was done on the day without being specific. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the immediate objective is to start preparing the general success within SAFA structures to ensure continuity.
