SAFA Stands Firm Amid Attempts to Derail Elective Congress
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has come out strongly against attempts to derail its upcoming Elective Congress. The Association insists that the event, scheduled for 12 September 2026, will proceed as planned, with all preparations running smoothly.
South African Football Association Statement: “The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted with concern the attempts to derail and undermine the coming SAFA Elective Congress. The SAFA Elective Congress will be held on 12 September 2026, and preparations are going full steam ahead. The calculated attempts to derail the Elective Congress and cast aspersions about the processes will not succeed.”
On 5 August 2026, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao handed over nomination files to the Governance Committee at SAFA House. The committee members present included chairman Victor Mogajane, Tumi Dlamini, Abel Ramolotja, Shakespeare Hadebe, and Anzel Laubscher. The process was conducted transparently in the presence of the media.
The Governance Committee, which operates independently, has been tasked with verifying whether candidates meet the criteria outlined in SAFA’s statutes. Once this vetting process is complete, the committee will return to SAFA House to present the final list of nominees.
Reiterating its position, SAFA stated: “The calculated attempts to derail the Elective Congress and cast aspersions about the processes will not succeed.” The Association expressed surprise that some individuals now calling for postponement had previously declared their own intentions to contest in the elections.
The voting members for the Elective Congress will include SAFA’s regional structures, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as a Special Member, and Associate Members. This ensures that the Congress reflects the diverse voices within South African football.
SAFA has also extended invitations to key stakeholders such as FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, SASCOC, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, the chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, and football legends. Their presence will add credibility to the proceedings.
Once again, SAFA emphasized: “The SAFA Elective Congress will be held on 12 September 2026, and preparations are going full steam ahead.” The Association views the Congress as a vital step in continuing its mandate to develop and serve football in South Africa.
The Association believes that attempts to derail the Congress are ultimately attempts to derail progress in South African football. By standing firm, SAFA aims to safeguard the integrity of the process and ensure that leadership is elected fairly.
As the countdown to 12 September 2026 continues, SAFA remains resolute. “We are looking forward to the Elective Congress and the continuation of the Association’s mandate to develop and serve football in this country,” the statement concluded.