With the South African Football Association (Safa) elections taking place on Saturday, iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane takes a look at the candidates for the presidency position and also asks YOU to predict the winner...

With Molefi Oliphant stepping down as Safa President after almost 20 years in charge, three men have stepped into the frame as his possible replacement; Irvin Khoza, Danny Jordaan and Kirsten Nematendani.

Khaya Ndubane runs the rule over the three contenders:

Irvin Khoza: Khoza ? dubbed the 'Iron Duke' of South African soccer by friends and foes alike ? is the favourite to take over the Safa presidency job from the outgoing Molefi Oliphant. Khoza is currently the vice-President of Safa by virtue of being the Chairman of the Premier Soccer League (PSL). He is also the Chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Chairman of one of South Africa's biggest clubs, Orlando Pirates. Khoza, together with Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung and Safa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raymond Hack, is credited with the formation of the PSL which is now reportedly the seventh biggest league in the world in terms of revenue. The various positions that Khoza currently holds makes him the most powerful man in SA soccer and this might just count in his favour as he tackles Jordaan and Nematendani for the presidency. However, these positions could also count against him, as many feel that he has too much on his plate and will not be able to turn the organisation around given those other commitments.

Danny Jordaan: Jordaan ? who is currently the CEO of the LOC ? is no stranger to South African soccer, after playing an active role in the transformation of soccer during the apartheid era. Prior to being elected as LOC CEO, Jordaan served Safa as its CEO for a number of years and he knows the organisation fairly well as unlike Khoza, he was dealing with the day-to-day running of Safa. Jordaan also played a key role in convincing the world football governing body, FIFA, to bring the World Cup to South Africa. But what may count against Jordaan is Safa's bad state of affairs and many might feel that he too is to blame for this poor administration. However, his 'man-of-the-people' appeal may put him in good position and he may be the surprise winner on Saturday.

Kirsten Nematendani: Not much is known about Nematendani and he is considered the darkhorse for the job. Nematendani is one of Safa's long-time servants and has served the organisation in different positions; currently as the organisation's Chairman of the Referees Committee. The reported feud between Khoza and Jordaan might count in Nematendani's favour. Something else in his favour was FIFA's recent comment that one of Khoza or Jordaan would have to relinquish their positions on the LOC if they were elected to the presidency. After all, Khoza and Jordaan plight to bring the World Cup to South Africa is well documented and it will be a shame for one of them to watch the event from the sidelines. So, do not be surprised if Nematendani becomes the new Safa President ? based on that alone.

  • From what you have read in the article above, who do you think will win the elections and who would you like to be the next Safa President?