SAFA
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Jacob ‘Buddha’ Mathathe has congratulated and sent well wishes to “one of our own,” Doctor Khumalo, after he received a role within the Safa National Executive Committee (NEC), but remains wary of the political games played by president Danny Jordaan.
Khumalo was appointed as the vice-chairperson of the technical committee led by Jack Maluleke. The duo’s role will include overseeing the appointment of all national team coaches, reviewing performances, and providing necessary support.
Khumalo arrives at Safa at the start of Jordaan’s fourth term as president – an outcome that resulted in the NEC and vice-presidency being reshuffled. Mathathe and Bennet Bailey were among the NEC and VP casualties after endorsing challenger Sandile Zulu during the elections.
In many ways, the appointment of Khumalo is regarded as Mathathe’s replacement, as he becomes the most notable former player within the NEC structures and technical committee.
Mathathe is pleased with Khumalo’s appointment, saying it was long overdue, but argued that the pool of former players should have been widened overall rather than making substitutions after his own departure.
“Doctor is one of us. He is the vice-president of the South African Masters and Legends Football Association (Samlfa),” said Mathathe, who serves as Samlfa president. “It shouldn’t have taken (Jordaan) removing me to put one of our vice-president as his vice-chairperson. Doctor literally replaces me in the same position.
“Instead, he should have increased the number of former football players, not just in the technical committee, but across the board. It shows how he’s playing his political game.
“I am extremely happy for Doctor. He’s one of us and the vice-president of Samlfa. I know it’s not about him, but about SA football. Our position is clear: we want the best for SA football.”
Mathathe added that he is wary of Jordaan using Khumalo’s appointment as a divisive tool against Samlfa, given that Jordaan was displeased by the association calling for his removal ahead of the elections.
“He’s using the divide-and-rule strategy from apartheid to divide us and create instability,” Mathathe said. “I am mindful of the game they are playing.”
Mathathe acknowledged that Samlfa lost its spot on the NEC after being deemed non-compliant as a Safa associate member for the first time in 31 years. However, he maintained that they will not back down from calling for change within the association and urged all former footballers to unite.