The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been rocked by death threats and intimidation against several delegates ahead of Saturday’s hotly contested Elective Congress in Midrand, Johannesburg.
SAFA has confirmed that some delegates have received death threats, while others have allegedly been subjected to harassment and intimidation as the association prepares for the election of its new leadership.
The football governing body said it was taking the threats seriously and would notify the police accordingly.
Security around the congress venue has also been tightened as SAFA moves to ensure that delegates are able to attend and participate in the elections without fear.
The threats come after what SAFA described as “calculated attempts” to derail the Elective Congress and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral processes.
According to SAFA, those attempts failed to achieve their intended objective, and the congress will proceed as planned after weeks of preparation.
“SAFA will protect the right of its members to freely exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice,” the association said.
The elections, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, will determine the next SAFA president, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and provincial leadership.
The voting members will include SAFA’s regions, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as a Special Member and Associate Members.
The congress is expected to attract considerable attention, with incumbent president Danny Jordaan seeking another term against challenger Sandile Zungu, the AmaZulu FC chairman.
SAFA held an Extraordinary NEC Meeting in Midrand on Friday as part of preparations for the crucial congress.
Several high-profile football and sporting stakeholders have also been invited, including representatives from FIFA, CAF, COSAFA and SASCOC, as well as Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and football legends.
With the leadership contest expected to be closely fought, the latest threats have added another layer of tension to an already highly charged election.
SAFA, however, has insisted that the congress will go ahead and that every effort will be made to protect delegates and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.