Beyond the blame: Understanding the governance challenges in SA football

THE ongoing criticism directed at South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has reached a crescendo, with many supporters and analysts voicing their frustrations via social media platforms.

- HERMAN GIBBS

However, this intense vilification appears to overshadow a more complex reality.

The true decision-power making lies not solely with Jordaan but predominantly with the National Executive Committee (NEC), which plays a crucial role in the governance and strategic direction of South African football.

As South Africa’s footballing landscape grapples with numerous challenges, Jordaan has inadvertently become a focal point for widespread discontent.

The frustrations directed at him are often disproportionate, with little acknowledgement of the collective responsibility of the NEC. This body is drawn predominantly from National List Members from various regions and Provincial List Members representing the country's nine provinces.

This situation raises vital questions about the dynamics that govern South African football. While it is natural for fans to seek an individual to blame in times of difficulty, simplifying the discourse to target one person can be misleading. The NEC, the backbone of Safa’s administrative structure, should not be overlooked.