The South African Football Association's elective congress in 2026 will determine the future of local soccer, with all eyes on whether president Danny Jordaan seeks a fourth term amid ongoing legal challenges. Bafana Bafana's return to the Fifa World Cup adds significance to the vote. No clear challengers have emerged yet.
South African soccer faces pivotal moments in 2026, including Bafana Bafana's participation in the Fifa World Cup for the first time in nearly two decades. The national men's team will compete in North America starting in June, a milestone for young fans who have never witnessed such an event. Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana aims to improve on their fourth-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the next tournament set for 17 March.
Central to these developments is the Safa elective congress, expected later in 2026 due to the World Cup schedule. Danny Jordaan, president since 2013, won re-election in June 2022 for his third term, defeating Ria Ledwaba and Solly Mohlabeng. By 2026, he will have led for 13 years, succeeding Kirsten Nematandani, who was banned by Fifa for match-fixing involvement before the 2010 World Cup.
Jordaan's tenure has drawn mixed reactions, with praise from some in the Safa national executive committee but criticism from members and the public. He faces charges of fraud alongside Gronie Hluyo and Trevor Neethling, arrested on 13 November 2024 and now out on bail. The case remains in pretrial, with Jordaan denying wrongdoing and refusing to step aside, viewing it as an admission of guilt.
Initial court support from figures like Lydia Monyepao, Bennett Bailey, and Jack Maluleka waned as proceedings continued. Maluleka stated: “I won’t labour much on this issue, because tomorrow it might be me. Allegations are allegations… If there is something [of substance], it has to be proven.” Even supporter Mama Joy Chauke attended early hearings.
Jordaan claims majority Nec backing and says the 52 regions will decide his fate. He has been evasive on contesting again: “In any position, in a democracy, you cannot give yourself a position... That is the responsibility of our 52 regions.” Critics urge him to step down amid the legal woes.
No challengers have declared, unlike in 2022. Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe is a popular suggestion, but Safa's electoral code requires prior service in structures, excluding many ex-players. Radebe questioned: “My question has always been based on the other leaders of football at the global level. Did they go through any structures?” He advocates for fresh ideas from former players to advance the sport.
