Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

In a move that looks set to throw the cat among the pigeons, Safa Fezile Dabi region has formally approached Irvin Khoza to lead the federation as its president.

The eagerly awaited Safa elections take place in Johannesburg on September 27.

Safa will have a new president after the incumbent, Molefi Oliphant, said he won't stand for re-election.

Oliphant said he wanted to give another soccer administrator with fresh ideas to take the national governing body forward.

Khoza and Danny Jordaan have emerged as the only two candidates lobbied to stand for the position.

Samuel Magagula, Safa Fezile Dabi regional president has declared his support for Khoza to Sowetan.

"We are not going to beat about the bush, Dr Khoza is our Safa presidential candidate. We strongly believe he is the right man to take over from Dr Oliphant and we will be voting for him during the elections.

"The South African Premier Soccer League is one of the top 10 best leagues in the world in terms of sponsorship because of efforts by Dr Khoza and his executive.

"With Dr Khoza on board, Safa leagues will also get sponsorship. We want yet another sound Safa leadership when president Oliphant steps down."

Watson Mabusa, Safa Capricorn regional president, added: "Dr Khoza is our preferred presidential candidate, the man has turned the PSL around.

"If he comes to Safa, we hope he will help the association with the finances to develop the sport. We are not saying he has all the solutions.

"Even a blind man can see Dr Khoza is doing a great job for soccer in South Africa."

Mazwi Mkhize, a prominent Safa leader in KwaZulu-Natal, stressed: "We are not going to apologise, Dr Khoza is our man to lead Safa. Certain individuals are lobbying for the elections to be postponed for their own benefit but we are not going to allow this to happen."

Nakedi Lekota, Safa national executive committee member, said his vote will go to Khoza.

Safa national executive committee members have one vote each, the same as associate members, such as school sports and university sports.

Khoza could not be reached for comment yesterday but a new structure calling itself "Football Transformation Forum" has endorsed Jordaan as its preferred candidate.

Jordaan was also not available.

Prominent members who attended the launch of the forum, which claims to have support of 40 of the 53 Safa regions, included Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, Shoes Mazibuko and Kirsten Nematendani.