SECURITY THREATS: High alert at SAFA congress as intimidation targets presidential showdown

Safa has noted with concern the escalation of threats and intimidation ahead of its elective congress on Saturday , while reports have emerged that three regions have been disqualified from attending the event.

Safa is set to elect its president for the next four-year term on Saturday , with current incumbent Danny Jordaan and AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu contesting the top position.

The build-up to the event has been fraught with controversy – both administratively and publicly. While a significant portion of the regions is reportedly backing Jordaan for another term, members of the public and former NEC members are calling for "Zungu for change."

On Friday night, Safa released a statement confirming that security at the congress venue had been heightened due to escalating threats surrounding the event.

“These threats and intimidation are an escalation after calculated attempts to derail the elective congress and cast aspersions on the processes failed to achieve their desired objective,” the statement read.

“The Elective Congress will go ahead as planned after weeks of planning and preparation, and Safa will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice.”

Meanwhile, according to various reports, three regions – Amajuba (KZN), Sarah Baartman (Eastern Cape), and Pixley Ka Seme (Northern Cape) – have been disqualified from the elections, reducing the number of voting regions from 52 to 49. The reason for their exclusion has not been disclosed.

Marawa Sport Worldwide added that South African Masters and Legends Football Association (Samlfa) Gauteng chairman Patson Banda confirmed the association has also been barred from voting, “with its membership and voting rights placed in abeyance”. Samlfa had publicly endorsed Zungu, claiming the incumbent president has failed both South African football legends and the broader football community.