Doctor Khumalo steps into SAFA inner circle as Jordaan names new deputies

Smiso Msomi|Published 10 minutes ago

Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has been appointed as deputy chairperson of the SAFA Technical Committee under Jack Maluleke

Doctor Khumalo has been handed a new responsibility within South African football’s governing body, joining the South African Football Association's (SAFA) technical leadership as Danny Jordaan finalises his presidential team following last month’s elections.

The Bafana Bafana great was appointed deputy to technical committee chairperson Jack Maluleke at the conclusion of the South African Football Association’s three-day national executive committee meeting in Sandton on Sunday.

The meeting also confirmed Linda Zwane, Anastasia “Natasha” Tsichlas and Tankiso Modipa as SAFA’s three vice-presidents, shaping the leadership structure under Jordaan’s fourth term.

Zwane and Tsichlas retain their positions, while Modipa replaces Bennett Bailey, the chairperson of the SAFA Cape Town region, in a change that brings a new face into the association’s top leadership.

Jordaan, who defeated AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu at the elective congress in Midrand last month, said the vice-presidents were chosen through an open ballot.

He declined, however, to identify those who contested the positions against the successful candidates.

“We determined the vice-presidents by an open ballot, which was observed by all of the members. The election showed the transparency and the commitment of Safa to deal with these matters in an open, transparent way,” Jordaan told reporters at the NH Hotel on Sunday evening.

Beyond the appointments, the SAFA president identified Vision 2030 as the immediate priority for the new leadership team, with the vice-presidents expected to work alongside chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao to develop the association’s plans.

“The next step is for the vice-presidents to come together with the CEO to put together Vision 2030. In the elements of Vision 2030, it’s about schools, football development and the excellence of our various national teams,” Jordaan said.

The appointments also carry significance against the backdrop of the recent presidential contest. Modipa chairs the Football Transformation Forum, a lobby group that backed Jordaan’s re-election, while Bailey supported Zungu’s challenge.

With Khumalo now taking up a technical leadership role and the vice-presidents confirmed, SAFA’s attention turns to how its new leadership will translate Vision 2030 into practical changes across schools football, development and the national teams.