Chippa United Chairman Siviwe Mpengesi during the 2018 Nedbank Cup Final between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars at Cape Town Stadium on 19 May 2018 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Chippa Mpengesi withdraws from race for SAFA presidency. Here’s WHY!

Chippa United boss Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi has announced his withdrawal from the race to become the SAFA president.

by Ernest Makhaya

22-04-2022 08:59

in Premier Soccer League

Chippa United Chairman Siviwe Mpengesi during the 2018 Nedbank Cup Final between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars at Cape Town Stadium on 19 May 2018 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Chippa United boss Siviwe Mpengesi has announced his withdrawal from the race to become the South African Football Association (SAFA) president.

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Mpengesi had the intention to challenge Dr Danny Jordaan for the presidency position this year but the NEC resolutions have forced him to abandon the mission.

Again, the SAFA NEC has resolved that PSL chairmen are prohibited from running for the position of SAFA president, and thus, ruling Mpengesi out of the race.

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Mpengesi isn’t the first PSL club chairman to be sidelined for the position of SAFA president – Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza also had to withdraw from the race in 2013.

Khoza’s withdrawal saw Kirsten Nematandani elected unopposed as SAFA president, with the Pirates boss settling for the deputy presidency position.

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MPENGESI CONFIRMS WITHDRAWAL FROM RACE FOR SAFA PRESIDENCY – FULL STATEMENT

“When I decided to contest for the Safa elections in the upcoming congress it was never about getting the position at all costs, it was about working with all football leaders for the betterment of football development,” Mpengesi said in a statement on Thursday.
“I was pushed by my passion to be involved at grassroots level. It was about mobilising resources to equip football administrators for the betterment of the game.
“After careful consideration I decided to no longer contest the elections. I have taken a decision to continue to work with the Safa regions as I did in the past.
“I will seek to work with the Safa leadership that emerges on many programmes that are aimed at improving the lives of youngsters at ground level.”
“The Safa NEC also resolved that PSL clubs’ chairs cannot stand for presidency,” continued Mpengesi.
“To all regions who have encouraged me to stand, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Be assured that I will continue to assist in football development in this country, working with you as football structures.”