SAFA has been plunged into security turmoil after confirming it will report death threats, harassment, and intimidation against several delegates to the police just 24 hours before Saturday’s Elective Congress in Midrand.
Despite the escalating tension, SAFA insists the high-stakes election will go ahead as planned, with security tightened to protect voting members.
The bombshell announcement on Friday night comes as incumbent president Danny Jordaan seeks a fourth term against challenger Sandile Zungu in one of the most fiercely contested leadership battles in South African sporting history.
In an official statement released following an Extraordinary National Executive Committee [NEC] meeting in Midrand on Friday, SAFA condemned what it termed a “calculated attempt” to disrupt the democratic process.
The association also maintained that attempts to derail the assembly had failed and vowed to safeguard the voting process for its members.
SAFA CONFIRMS DEATH THREATS AGAINST DELEGATES AHEAD OF ELECTIVE CONGRESS
“The South African Football Association [SAFA] has revealed that several delegates have received death threats while others have been harassed and intimidated ahead of the SAFA Elective Congress,” said SAFA.
“SAFA takes these threats very seriously, and the police will be notified accordingly. The SAFA Elective Congress will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2026, and security around the venue has been tightened after the threats were sent to the delegates.
“These threats and intimidation are an escalation after the calculated attempts to derail the Elective Congress and cast aspersions about the processes failed to achieve the desired objective. 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.
“The elections will be held for the position of SAFA president, the national executive committee, as well as the provincial office. SAFA held an Extraordinary NEC Meeting in Midrand on Friday ahead of the Elective Congress.
D-DAY AT SAFA ELECTIVE CONGRESS: DELEGATES TO DECIDE FOOTBALL’S FUTURE AMID SECURITY ALERTS
Saturday’s congress will see voting power split between the 52 Regions, the Premier Soccer League [PSL] as the Special Member, and various Associate Members. They will elect the SAFA President, National Executive Committee, and provincial office bearers.
Despite the dark cloud cast by security concerns, international and local dignitaries are set to observe the proceedings.
Delegates from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, and SASCOC will be present alongside Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and various South African football legends.
With the campaigning complete and law enforcement on high alert, delegates now hold the power to decide whether South African football opts for continuity under Jordaan or a new direction under Zungu.
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