Sandile Zungu Targets SAFA Administrative Overhaul Ahead of Election

With the South African Football Association (SAFA) presidential elections scheduled for 12 September, the race for the organisation's top position is beginning to gather momentum.

The official list of candidates is expected to be announced on 28 August, but the contest already appears to be shaping up as a battle between incumbent president Dr Danny Jordaan and AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu.

Zungu, who has received backing from several SAFA branches, says his decision to enter the presidential race was not driven by personal ambition but by encouragement from within the football structures.

“I was persuaded by the regions of SAFA. I didn’t just wake up and see, ‘Here is an opportunity.’ They reminded me I do have the requisite credentials to make a difference," Zungu told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interaction. 

After assessing the state of the association, Zungu believes SAFA is in need of a change in leadership, particularly when it comes to governance and accountability.

“When I analysed the situation, I recognised SAFA was due for a change in leadership. I realised there are limitations within SAFA reaching its full potential because of the dire state of its governance.”

Governance at the Centre of Zungu's Campaign

For Zungu, governance is one of the major areas that needs urgent attention if SAFA is to unlock its commercial potential.

“I’ll name one issue, for example, not taking accountability. And this pushes away commercial partners, who have capital, and capital is needed.”

The AmaZulu owner believes restoring confidence among potential commercial partners and investors will be crucial to SAFA's future.

With more than three decades of business experience, Zungu argues that he understands what corporate South Africa and international investors expect from a national sporting federation.

“I have been in business for 32 years, running businesses, founding businesses and participating in strategic development for large companies. I have a deep understanding of what corporates in South Africa and globally want in organisations such as SAFA if they had to forge sustainable partnerships in the long term.”

Zungu also believes his existing business relationships could help open doors for the football association.

“Additionally, I own businesses who are yearning to be involved with SAFA, but they are deeply scared of the governance situation within SAFA.”

AmaZulu Experience as a Calling Card

Zungu's strongest argument for the presidency is arguably his experience as the owner of AmaZulu.

Since taking ownership of the Durban-based club, he has overseen its transformation from a struggling side into a competitive force in the Betway Premiership.

“I bring experience, intimate knowledge to what is required, such as funding football developmental projects. I bought AmaZulu Football Club, the oldest team in the Betway Premier Soccer League, and for the longest time it was punching way below its weight. I got involved, turned it around, and now AmaZulu is spoken of as a top football team in South Africa.”

AmaZulu's recent performances have strengthened Zungu's confidence in his ability to lead a football organisation.

“Look, last season we finished in the top four. We are raising the bar and making an impression in the football space. I have been there… done that.”

Ambition Beyond South Africa

Zungu's ambitions extend beyond improving SAFA's administration.

Should he be elected, he wants South Africa to establish itself as the leading football nation on the African continent while competing among the world's elite.

“I want South Africa to become the number one football federation on the continent and top 10 football nations in the world.”

He believes the country is entering what could become a golden period for South African football, but insists that greater ambition and higher standards will be required to take advantage of the opportunity.

“We are now entering an era of excellence and a golden era. Anyone who is tasked with taking over such should raise the bar, and there should be no scope for mediocrity involved.”

For Zungu, the presidential race is ultimately about service rather than personal ambition.

“I am here to serve South Africa, and we see the South African flag raised higher.”

With the official candidates still to be confirmed, the September election promises to be a significant moment for the future direction of South African football.