The gloves are off in the leadership contest for the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA).

SAMLFA Gauteng has accused the national leadership led by president Buddha Mathate of trying to hijack the elections. 

The Shakes Mashaba-led province have accused the current national leadership of being illegitimate because the five-year term of the current leadership expired last June.

SAMLFA Gauteng treasurer general Pepe Dire has called for a new leadership with fresh ideas to be elected.

"The fact is, the current term ended last year and a new leadership should have been elected by now," said Dire.

"A decision was made that the term would be extended on an interim basis and they seem to have forgotten. What have they done in the five years? They have done nothing."

The organisation held its first electoral congress in 2013 after the merger of the SA Masters Football Association and SA Legends. The body's main objectives are to unite ex-footballers and play a role in the development of the game.

The elective congress will take place in Joburg on Saturday. With the elections around the corner, Dire says underhand tactics have been used to undermine their province because they are seen as a threat.

"With a week left before the elections, Gauteng have not received the electoral code which informs us of requirements for the congress," said the Moroka Swallows legend.

"We must be sent the audited financial statements and that has not been done."

SAMLFA secretary-general David Nyathi rejected the allegations and said there's no agenda against Gauteng.

"I wish this congress can give a platform to everybody to exercise what they wish to happen. The people who say we've done nothing forget we've put the building blocks with Safa, the government and private sector to achieve our vision," he said.