AmaZulu FC owner Sandile Zungu has received a significant royal endorsement for his bid to become president of the South African Football Association. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has commanded all 11 KwaZulu-Natal SAFA regions to support Zungu in the upcoming election.
What does the royal endorsement mean for the SAFA election?
The Mail & Guardian reported that the AmaZulu King sent royal chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi to ensure Zungu gets maximum support in his home province. "His Majesty King Misuzulu has sent us to ensure that Mr Sandile Zungu gets the maximum support in his home province," Zondi said. This intervention adds a new dimension to the contest between Zungu and incumbent Danny Jordaan, who has led SAFA since 2013.
Zondi called for unity before the 12 September elective congress. "We must go to the congress united and vote as a solid block," he stated. However, Kwenza Khwela, a Jordaan supporter and provincial SAFA chairperson, claimed seven of KZN's 11 regions back the current president. The province's 11 regions represent a substantial voting bloc within SAFA's national total of 52.
How is the SAFA election campaign developing?
Zungu's 'Save Our SAFA' campaign has attracted support from former Bafana Bafana stars Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish. The election battle comes amid claims of disputed regional congresses, with some regions considering legal action over delegate exclusions. SAFA vice-president Bennet Bailey confirmed a letter had been sent to FIFA asking the global body to examine concerns about alleged irregularities in the voting process.
Bailey also publicly backed Zungu, saying, "We don't only need a change of face but a change of direction and football philosophy." The outcome will be decided at the 12 September congress, the same day AmaZulu FC are scheduled to host Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership. You can view the club's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Where does AmaZulu FC stand in the current season?
Arthur Zwane's side currently occupies 4th place in the Premier Soccer League with 10 points from five matches. Their record stands at three wins, one draw, and one loss, with recent form reading WLWDW. The team has scored eight goals while conceding seven, giving them a +1 goal difference.
AmaZulu sit six points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the early title race. The squad, which includes five foreign players and three under-23 talents, features in-form striker Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya who has six goals and one assist from five appearances. Full squad details are available on our squad page, while current league positions can be checked on our standings page.
What is the context of AmaZulu's next fixture?
AmaZulu FC host Marumo Gallants at home on Saturday, 12 September. Gallants remain winless in the 2026/27 season after a 2-2 draw with Polokwane City on Friday. All four goals in that match came in an entertaining first half at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Polokwane took an early lead through Tidimalo Molokwane in the third minute before Msindisi Kunene equalized for Gallants in the 17th. Bonginkosi Dlamini restored Polokwane's advantage in the 25th minute, but a Lebohang Nkaki own goal just before halftime secured a point for the visitors. The result leaves Gallants in 15th position with two points from five matches.
AmaZulu will look to extend their positive start against a struggling opponent. The club's next match follows the SAFA presidential election, where owner Sandile Zungu will learn if the royal command translated into electoral success. Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya leads the team's scoring with six goals from five league appearances.
