Capricorn regional president Jacky Mogashoa.
By: Refilwe Sebola
The SAFA presidential race is gathering pace, but Capricorn Regional president Jacky Mogashoa says there is no division in his region when it comes to their preferred candidate.
Mogashoa has thrown his weight behind Danny Jordaan, insisting Capricorn remains united in its support for the SAFA president as he faces a challenge from Sandile Zungu.
Zungu’s campaign has attracted support from several regions, including Mopani under regional president Vincent Ramphao, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for control of South African football.
But Mogashoa believes Jordaan’s contribution to the game deserves recognition.
“Daddy has done too much for South African football and we believe he still has much to offer,” Mogashoa said.
For the Capricorn boss, Jordaan’s biggest legacy goes beyond domestic football.
Jordaan was one of the key figures behind South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the tournament to be staged on African soil.
As chief executive of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee, Jordaan played a central role in turning South Africa’s successful bid into a reality, overseeing preparations for one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted on the continent.
The tournament was a defining moment for African football and showcased South Africa to a global audience. Jordaan worked closely with football authorities, government and international stakeholders during the lengthy preparations for the tournament.
His involvement in the World Cup bid also saw him work alongside the late Nelson Mandela, whose influence and international stature became an important part of South Africa’s campaign to bring the world’s biggest football tournament to Africa.
More than 16 years after the World Cup, Jordaan remains one of the most recognisable figures in South African football.
His leadership, however, is now being challenged by Zungu, who has presented himself as an alternative and is seeking support from SAFA’s regions.
The battle has created a clear divide in some parts of the country, with regions beginning to declare their positions ahead of the elective process.
Mopani’s support for Zungu, under Ramphao, contrasts sharply with Capricorn’s position.
Mogashoa, however, is adamant that Capricorn will remain firmly behind Jordaan.
The regional president believes Jordaan’s experience, international relationships and contribution to South African football give him the credentials to continue leading the association.
With the election battle intensifying, the question now is whether Jordaan can retain enough regional support to continue his tenure or whether Zungu can build a powerful enough coalition to bring an end to his long reign. One thing is certain: Capricorn has chosen its side.