The South African Football Association (Safa) President succession race has not only turned into a war ? it has also divided the soccer fraternity at large. iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane wonders if it's worth it.

At the centre of the succession battle is current Safa Vice President Dr Irvin Khoza and 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chief Executive Dr Danny Jordaan.

Khoza, a man affectionately known in football circles as the 'Iron Duke' of South African football because of his heavy-handed style of management, is the favourite to take over from current President Molefe Oliphant.

Khoza's record as Chairman of both the PSL and the LOC speaks volume about the man and nobody can argue about his success in soccer. He certainly has no point to prove on that front.

But many believe that Khoza has far too many leadership positions to handle already and that may in turn hamper soccer development in SA, particularly at grassroots level. Khoza currently serves as Orlando Pirates Chairman, Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman, LOC Chairman and Safa Vice President. That's a lot of positions to juggle already. Throw in the Safa Presidency and they could all come tumbling down...

However, many also believe that with Khoza in power, Safa, which has a well documented history of mishaps and poor management, will finally get its house on order.

Khoza's supporters feel that Jordaan is too nice a person to effectively handle the pressures that come with leading an organisation like Safa. Jordaan's supporters, meanwhile, say one needs brains, not just power to turn Safa around.

Jordaan is also not new to football and history has proven that he has the brains to turn Safa around ? his record as Safa Chief Executive Officer proves that.

What's more is that Jordaan will be free to concentrate soccer development after the World Cup and, unlike Khoza, he does not have too many responsibilities.

This battle between Khoza and Jordaan is not doing the sport any good at all and the damage that is being created will live on for many more years ? beyond the 2010 World Cup even.

Hence I call on Khoza to withdraw from this race. After all he will still keep his other positions and will continue to be the 'Iron Duke' of South African soccer for many more years.

Come on Dr Khoza, do the honourable thing, withdraw from this race!

  • Do you agree with Khaya? Leave your comments/rants below!