Sandile Zungu Vows to Keep Fighting for Change Despite SAFA Election Defeat
The South African Football Association (SAFA) Elective Congress held at Vodaworld in Midrand on Saturday, 12 September 2026, concluded with Dr. Danny Jordaan securing re-election as President. Jordaan won decisively with 157 votes, while businessman Sandile Zungu received 82 votes, ensuring continuity in SAFA’s leadership.
In the aftermath of the result, Zungu took to his official Facebook account on Monday, 14 September, to share his reflections. “It is said that victory has a thousand fathers and defeat is an orphan. Not this time! My defeat at the SAFA presidential elections has defied that proverb,” he wrote, signaling that his campaign had sparked widespread support despite the loss.
Zungu emphasised that his candidacy was not in vain, highlighting the collective effort behind his campaign. “I am proud that this defeat has many fathers and mothers. We dared to shine the light on things. We identified the problems, we tabled the solutions, and we offered to step forward to serve and get things done,” he said, underscoring his commitment to reform and accountability.
He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, particularly those who engaged with him online. “My sincere thanks to all of you, my Facebook friends who walked this journey with me — your love and encouragement carried me,” Zungu noted, acknowledging the role of grassroots backing in his campaign.
Addressing critics, Zungu adopted a conciliatory tone while invoking historical wisdom. “To my critics, I hear you and I thank you noma abanye benu behhema nje… Roosevelt was right: credit belongs to the man in the arena, not to those cold and timid souls who have never known victory or defeat,” he remarked, positioning himself as a leader willing to face challenges head-on.
Despite the setback, Zungu’s message carried optimism and resilience. “Until then, I love you all, friends and critics alike,” he concluded, leaving the door open for future involvement in South African football governance.
Meanwhile, Jordaan’s victory extends his tenure at the helm of SAFA, a role he has held since 2013. His re-election was observed by a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, SASCOC, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, and several football legends. Their presence highlighted the broader significance of the election for both South Africa and the global football community.
The voting members on 12 September included SAFA’s Regions, the Premier Soccer League as the Special Member, and Associate Members. With Jordaan’s continuation in office, attention now turns to whether his administration can address pressing issues such as financial transparency, grassroots development, and continental competitiveness. For Zungu, the campaign may have ended in defeat, but his words ensure that the call for reform remains alive within South African football.