Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has weighed in on the recent arrest of South African Football Association (SAFA) president Dr. Danny Jordaan, offering his thoughts on the state of South African football and the leadership of the association. Mhlongo expressed his concerns over the lack of a clear successor to Jordaan, suggesting that one of Bafana Bafana’s legendary former players should step up and lead the association going forward.
Mhlongo shared his disappointment regarding the ongoing leadership crisis within SAFA, stating that Jordaan’s arrest has revealed a serious gap in the association’s succession planning. “Jordaan’s arrest shows that we actually don’t have a successor in place,” Mhlongo pointed out. “What are these senior officials doing for us if there is no one ready to step up when the president faces such serious allegations? It makes you wonder, where is South African football actually headed if we cannot plan for the future?”
Mhlongo’s comments highlight a growing concern among fans and former players alike about the state of football leadership in South Africa. The lack of a clear and immediate successor to Jordaan has raised questions about the stability of SAFA and its ability to handle such a crisis. While the association has a long-standing tradition of leadership under Jordaan, Mhlongo believes it’s time for fresh leadership, especially in light of the current scandal.
One of the key points Mhlongo made was about SAFA’s stance on the “step-aside rule,” which is commonly used by political organizations in South Africa. SAFA has stated that they do not follow such a rule, as they are not a political entity. However, Mhlongo expressed his concerns about the lack of accountability within the association, particularly with the serious allegations facing Jordaan. “SAFA claims they don’t have a step-aside rule since they are not a political party, but it is disheartening to see our president facing such serious allegations,” Mhlongo said. “At the end of the day, the association needs to act in the best interests of South African football, and allowing these allegations to linger without a clear plan of action does not reflect well on the organization.”
Mhlongo went on to stress that it was time for former players, particularly someone with the stature and experience of Lucas Radebe, to take the reins and help guide South African football into a new era. “It’s about time one of us, former players, takes over the leadership of SAFA,” he said. “These former players understand the game, have the respect of the football community, and can bring a fresh perspective to the association. There’s no reason why someone like Lucas Radebe, who has the experience and the passion for South African football, shouldn’t be considered for a role in leading the association.”
As Mhlongo sees it, Jordaan, despite his long tenure at the top, should step aside until the legal matters surrounding him are resolved. “Jordaan should go home and relax until these allegations are resolved,” Mhlongo suggested. “It’s important for him to step away from the position while these serious matters are being dealt with. The focus should shift to the future of South African football, and for that to happen, there needs to be fresh leadership.”
Mhlongo’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among South African football supporters who have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of transparency and accountability within SAFA. Many believe that the association has stagnated under the leadership of Jordaan, particularly when it comes to developing football at the grassroots level and improving the national team’s international standing.
With the spotlight now on SAFA and the leadership vacuum created by Jordaan’s legal troubles, Mhlongo’s call for change has sparked a conversation about the need for a new direction in South African football. Fans and players alike are looking for a leadership that can bring about tangible changes and restore faith in the administration of the sport in the country. The question remains whether SAFA will act swiftly to address this growing concern and ensure that South African football can move forward with the right leadership in place.
