SEDIBENG.- The South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) declared war against the South African Football Association (SAFA) over Sandile Zungu’s defeat.

The Soweto branch of the SAMLFA issued a strong warning to SAFA about how disappointed, angered, and betrayed they feel regarding their disqualification from the recent SAFA elective congress on September 12.

SAFA leadership effectively silenced the most vital voice in local football.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, SAMLFA Soweto Interim Secretary, James Shabangu, said stripping SAMLFA of its credentials and right to vote, SAFA leadership effectively silenced the most vital voice in local football: the legends who sacrificed and played a pivotal role in building South African football into what it is today.

The organisation backed AmaZulu boss Sandile Zungu, who challenged Danny Jordaan for SAFA Presidency.

Zungu lost to Jordaan with 157 votes to 82.  

We express our deepest grievances toward the regional delegates.

Shabangu told Sedibeng Ster Sport that they were denied the right to vote and said locking the doors on the gatekeepers of their game is a historical injustice that they reject in the strongest terms.

“We entered this elective cycle with a clear mandate to support a path of transformation, administrative evolution, and renewal under the leadership of Mr. Sandile Zungu.”

“We believe his vision offered the corrective roadmap our domestic game desperately requires. We express our deepest grievances toward the regional delegates who had the power to vote for change but chose to maintain the status quo.”

“By failing to back a new direction, the voting collective has extended an administrative era that continues to sideline its most valuable stakeholders, including the legends who gave their lives to the sport. The strategic exclusion of SAMLFA and other progressive structures was a deliberate move to suppress the votes of those championing transparency and reform,” said Shabangu.

We will continue to organise, support, and fight for the welfare, recognition, and structural inclusion of our veteran players.

Shabangu said despite this severe setback and the structural betrayal experienced at the national congress, SAMLFA Soweto will not be demoralised or erased.

He said their legitimacy does not come from a credential committee, but from the dusty pitches of Soweto and the history books of South African football.

Shabangu declared that they will continue to organise, support, and fight for the welfare, recognition, and structural inclusion of our veteran players.

He pulled no punches when he said they will openly challenge any SAFA policies that seek to diminish the constitutional voting rights of associate members.

He further said the organisation will strengthen grassroots football initiatives within Soweto, ensuring legends remain the true custodians of the game where it matters most—among the youth and the community.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that SAMLFA Soweto stands tall despite the unfair outcome of the September 12 elections.

He salutes Zungu for his brave campaign and his dignified post-election stance.

“While our voice was temporarily silenced in Midrand, our resolve to rescue and reform South African football remains unbroken. The struggle for a fair, inclusive, and respectful football association continues.”