Irvin Khoza must be a man and accept the fact that an unknown, Kirsten Nematandani, is the new president of the South African Football Association (Safa), writes iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane.

I have always known Irvin Khoza as man of honour, but his reported stunt to challenge the results of a democratically elected president — Kirsten Nematandani — on the basis that he will be 'a pawn' to Danny Jordaan leaves me cold.

Khoza had his chance to contest the elections, but he and Jordaan decided to withdraw from the race at the last minute, thereby paving way for Nematandani to become the new Safa president. The sooner Khoza accepts that, the better it will be for the South African soccer.

After all, Nematandani has been with Safa for years and has witnessed first hand the shenanigans that have taken place. He must now be given a chance to restore the association's integrity.

South Africa has had its share of scandals and with the World Cup now just months away, the country does not need another one. Khoza needs to do the honourable thing and accept defeat.

For Khoza to question Nematandani's integrity is not only an insult to the man, but to the Safa regions' representatives that elected him.

Granted, Nematandani is a member of the Jordaan-led Football Transformation Forum (FTF) but he is the president of Safa now and surely he will make decision that he, and not FTF, feels will benefit the game in South Africa.

Safa has had its fair share of politics and it is time put that behind them. Who knows, if the administrators manage to avoid petty politicking and instead concentrate on the beautiful game, Bafana Bafana may become a force to be reckoned with again.

Bafana's poor state of affairs lies at Safa's door after they elected an inexperienced coach in Joel Santana and maybe with a new guard in place someone will restore the nation's pride just in time for the World Cup.

And with Nematandani pledging to transform and revitalise South African football from the grassroots to Bafana Bafana — there is hope for the national team.

So, Mr Khoza, just step aside and allow Nematandani and his new leadership to do their job!

  • Is Irvin Khoza out of line or has Safa made a massive mistake? What are your thoughts on the Safa election results?
    RSS
    Digg
    de.li.cious
    facebook


    Print this page
    Send this article to a friend