The widely reported NEC that was to take place on January 25, 2025, took place. As expected, it did not yield any progressive results. Danny Jordaan is still firmly the active president of SAFA and chairperson of its NEC meetings.
This meeting was initially called an emergency meeting by some of the NEC members after the court hearing in November. This emergency meeting was delayed by the CEO of SAFA, and later it was scheduled for December 18, 2024. Much to everybody’s surprise, the CEO returned later with the proposed rescheduling for January 25. She cited official business as the reason for the postponement.
We knew it was a ploy. They wanted to wear down the requesters and to strengthen the support for the president from the NEC members. They succeeded but to the detriment of the image of football in South Africa.
It cannot be understood why a meeting that was requested on the basis of the criminal case and the image of football ended up discussing business-as-usual items and deferring the very items for which it was called. The letters from Gladwyn White and Monde Montshiwa, which were requesting the suspension of the president, were deferred until later in February. This was supported by the majority of the NEC members.
So if South Africa cannot rely on the NEC member, neither can it rely on SAFA Members (regions), then who must South Africa rely on? Is this not a clear example of hopelessness?
Danny Jordaan will be attending the court case on February 7, 2025 at Palm Ridge as a full-on president of SAFA. He shall be standing at the accused podium with SAFA on his shoulders. Truly and honestly, SAFA should be ashamed about this. But who are we talking to?
What should football leaders do in this situation? Please comment.
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