South African football legend Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane has spoken about SAFA president Danny Jordaan, describing him as “a nice person,” but also highlighting what he believes is the president’s biggest mistake in his tenure.
Ngubane, a respected figure in South African football, acknowledged Jordaan’s positive impact on the sport, especially his contributions to taking South African football to the international stage. However, he didn’t shy away from pointing out the areas where Jordaan’s leadership could improve.
In a recent interview, Ngubane shared that while Jordaan has often meant well, his major mistake has been a lack of emphasis on grassroots development and youth programs. Ngubane believes that Jordaan’s focus on the senior national teams, particularly Bafana Bafana, has at times come at the cost of nurturing young talent and developing the sport at the lower levels.
“Danny Jordaan is a nice person, I won’t deny that,” Ngubane said. “But the biggest issue is the neglect of the grassroots and youth development side of football. Without proper focus on young players and clubs, we won’t build a sustainable football culture.”
Ngubane, who has had a distinguished career both in South Africa and abroad, is a strong advocate for investing in youth development. He believes that South African football needs a more balanced approach, one that nurtures talent from the youth ranks, improves coaching standards, and strengthens local clubs.
His critique comes at a time when South African football is facing various challenges, including inconsistent performances from the national team and issues within the domestic leagues. While Jordaan’s presidency has brought some success, such as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ngubane argues that a stronger emphasis on long-term development is essential for the future of the sport.
“I’m not saying Jordaan is a bad leader,” Ngubane said. “But there’s a need for a new vision. One that considers the long-term future of South African football, not just short-term results.”
Ngubane’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that, to truly advance, South African football must focus on sustainable growth, prioritizing youth development and grassroots support alongside the success of the senior national team.
