Vhembe poll is nullified by Safa

THE South African Football Association has nullified the elections of the Vhembe region in Limpopo, which was led by top school sports administrator Patrick Mabasa.

This is likely to split the region after members from the Mabasa-led executive made it clear they will challenge their dissolution.

"This is not fair. We expected Safa to come up with such a decision. It's all about connections at Safa," said a member of the dissolved committee, who refused to be identified.

The four-hour meeting, led by Safa deputy president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, resolved to nullify the elections held in Thohoyandou two weeks ago.

Nonkonyana said they have agreed to invalidate the election results after allegations were laid with the head office that election processes were not followed properly.

"A letter was written to the region by the national office advising them not to conduct the elections during their annual general meeting as there were complaints, but apparently there was a communication breakdown and the message could not be communicated to all parties," said Nonkonyana.

"We agreed to nullify the results to ensure that all parties participate in elections that will be free and fair," Nonkonyana said. "We will appoint an administrator to run the affairs of the organisation, subsequent to that there will be elections in 30 days as per the constitution."

Both members from the previous committee that was led by Khorombi Nemavhola and the Mabasa-led committee attended the meeting. Mabasa, the chairperson of the South African Schools Football Association in Limpopo, could not be reached for comment.