Pressure mounts on Jordaan as SAFA divisions deepen

When FIFA docked Bafana Bafana three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho - an administrative error that could have ended South Africa's 2026 World Cup dream - the expectation was that heads would roll.

- 

But instead of taking action, SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan closed the matter with a single line: "We are going to the World Cup, so the matter is closed."

Those 12 words have since set off shockwaves inside South African football's inner circles. What appeared to be an attempt to move forward is said to have instead fuelled a growing rebellion among insiders, administrators, and former allies - many of whom now believe the 74-year-old's leadership has reached breaking point. The Siya crew has spoken to multiple sources - from provincial officials to senior figures close to the SAFA House - who describe a Federation at war with itself, and a president whose grip on power, though firm, is starting to face unprecedented pressure.

Behind the smiles at Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification celebration lies deep unease.