Beyond the blame: Understanding the governance challenges in South African 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.

However, this intense vilification appears to overshadow a more complex reality. The true decision-making power 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.

SAFA found itself in the spotlight recently as it faced an inquiry by the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture into its governance structure, specifically focusing on the compensation of NEC members and the committee’s overwhelming size.

The portfolio committee hastened to add that FIFA has already recommended that SAFA reduce the size of the NEC.

The parliamentary session opened heated discussions regarding the controversial honorariums received by NEC members. Critics argue that, while football faces numerous systemic issues, the financial remunerations for these officials are excessive.

With growing frustration among fans and stakeholders regarding the state of South African football, the perception of a lavish payment system has angered many, who are clamouring for better investment in grassroots football and coaching initiatives.

Furthermore, the composition of the NEC, consisting of a staggering 48 members, has drawn sharp criticism. Described as the largest governing body among any national sports association, questions have arisen concerning the efficiency and productivity of such a large committee.

Everything unacceptable about SAFA has unprecedented repercussions for national teams. The core of these problems lies in a significant lack of corporate support and sponsorship.

The absence of robust financial backing has severely impeded SAFA's ability to adequately compensate national teams and their players, often leading to delays in payments that have sparked unrest within the ranks.

This financial instability does not simply end with players. It extends to SAFA's capacity to hire top-tier coaches who can elevate the standards of South African football. In the absence of stable funding, SAFA finds itself unable to secure the expertise that is paramount for the success of its teams.

The ramifications of inadequate corporate support manifest not only in the players’ performance but also in the overall infrastructure surrounding the sport. With insufficient funds flowing into the organisation, vital structures that underpin the development, training, and strategic planning for teams are grossly underfunded.

The lack of resources to develop youth academies, run effective training camps, and provide essential welfare for players hampers efforts to nurture local talent and build a robust footballing future.

As other nations invest heavily in their footballing structures, South African football risks being left behind. The paradox lies in a sport that has the potential to unite and inspire a nation, yet struggles to achieve basic operational support from the corporate sector.

As these challenges continue to unfold, there is an urgent call to action for local businesses and corporate entities to recognise the value of investing in the future of South African football.

Partnerships and sponsorships could provide a lifeline not only to SAFA but also to a generation of young players who see football as a pathway to greatness.

The time is now for stakeholders to come together to foster a sustainable environment where football can thrive, and with it, the pride of a nation.