AmaZulu FC owner Sandile Zungu's campaign to become president of the South African Football Association has gained significant royal backing this week. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has intervened, calling for all 11 football regions in KwaZulu-Natal to unite behind Zungu's challenge to incumbent Danny Jordaan. The club itself is enjoying a strong start to the Betway Premiership season, sitting third in the table with 10 points from five matches.
What is the King's role in the SAFA election?
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has taken a direct interest in the upcoming SAFA presidential election. The monarch has sent his royal chancellor, Inkosi Malusi Zondi, to ensure Zungu receives maximum support from his home province. The King has appealed to all SAFA regions in KwaZulu-Natal to back Zungu as a unified voting bloc ahead of the elective congress on September 12.
Zondi stated the royal position clearly. "We can't afford to go to the congress, divided," he said. "We must go to the congress united and vote as a solid block." This intervention comes as Zungu, through his Save Our Safa (SOS) faction, attempts to end Jordaan's 13-year reign. The club owner's campaign has also drawn support from football legends like Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish.
Who is opposing Zungu's bid in KwaZulu-Natal?
Provincial SAFA chairperson Kwenza Khwela is leading the opposition to Zungu's bid within KwaZulu-Natal. Khwela, a staunch Jordaan backer, claims seven of the province's 11 regions support the current president's re-election. Khwela's Football Transformation Forum (FTF) grouping argues Zungu should first prove himself by challenging for the PSL chairpersonship before pursuing the national SAFA presidency.
Zondi has responded to this resistance by urging Khwela to heed the King's call for unity. "We're urging and hoping that Mr Khwela will heed the call made by his Majesty that all football regions must put their differences aside," he said. The province is considered a critical battleground because it holds 11 of SAFA's 52 regional votes nationwide. You can follow the political landscape and other football developments on our dedicated club news page.
What is the current state of AmaZulu FC on the pitch?
While off-field politics dominate headlines, AmaZulu FC's on-field performance provides a positive backdrop. The team currently occupies third place in the Betway Premiership after five games. They have collected 10 points from three wins, one draw, and a single loss, with a recent form guide reading WLWDW.
Their attacking play has been effective, netting eight goals so far this season. Defensively, they have conceded seven, giving them a positive goal difference of +1. This solid start leaves them just three points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full standings as the title race develops.
What other challenges face the SAFA election?
The path to the September 12 congress is fraught with controversy beyond the KwaZulu-Natal dispute. Angry regions have raised allegations of manipulation in recent regional congresses. Some claim delegates for the national congress have been improperly excluded.
These disputes have grown so severe that certain regions are considering legal action to stop the elective congress from proceeding. This internal turmoil occurs as Zungu's supporters argue his business acumen can bring much-needed investment to grassroots and lower-tier football in South Africa. The final delegate count and any potential court rulings will determine if the vote goes ahead as scheduled. AmaZulu FC's next league fixture is against Cape Town City on September 13.
