‘Buddha’ Mathathe labels Danny Jordaan ‘brother of the devil’ after SAFA election

Outgoing NEC member and SAMLFA president Jacob ‘Buddha’ Mathathe has labelled the association’s SAFA president Danny Jordaan the “brother of the devil,” claiming he played every trick in the book to ensure his re-election at Saturday afternoon’s elective congress.

Jordaan will hold office for a record-extending fourth consecutive term after beating challenger Sandile Zungu by a margin of 157 votes to 82 at the quadrennial event held at Vodacom World in Midrand.

Significant controversy surrounded the event, as four regions and certain associate members, including SAMLFA, were disqualified from voting following an extraordinary NEC meeting on the eve of the elections at the Protea Hotel in Midrand.

“I never knew that the devil had a brother until I met the president,” a dispirited Mathathe said at the election venue on Saturday. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

With SAMLFA having been vocal about backing Zungu for the presidency due to his football knowledge and status as an astute businessman, Mathathe claimed that was the underlying reason his association was barred.

In addition to serving as SAMLFA president, Mathathe was elected to the NEC during the previous elections. However, prior to Saturday’s event, he was deemed ineligible to return to the committee for “failing to be compliant” – a decision that left him shocked.

“I was nominated by my region and supported by two other regions in the country,” Mathathe explained. “I accepted those nominations. Yet I was not on the nominations list, even though the people who supported me were part of the elections today.

“On Thursday, I got an email from the chairperson of the Governance Committee [Victor Mogajane] telling me I was compliant. The only issue was allegedly the regions that nominated me.

“But those same regions are on the nomination list and participated in the elections today, so it doesn’t make sense.”

Still holding NEC member status ahead of the extraordinary meeting, Mathathe expressed surprise at what transpired upon his arrival at the Protea Hotel on Friday.

“Yesterday [on Friday], we had an NEC meeting where I was chased out,” Mathathe revealed. “It was deliberate so that I couldn’t cast a vote. But we know this is the game played in elections.”

Mathathe concluded that the elections were unconstitutional, particularly after being notified at the 11th hour that he would not be allowed to participate.

“These elections were not free and fair,” Mathathe stated. “I wasn’t even allowed inside the election room. I am sitting here with my accreditation, but last night I received an email revoking it and stopping me from entering.”