South African Football Association Biography (SAFA)
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is the governing body for football in South Africa, founded on March 23, 1991, and recognized by FIFA in 1992.
| Legal Name | South African Football Association |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1991 (35 Years Ago) |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg |
| President | Danny Jordaan |
| Website |
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is the governing body for football in South Africa, founded on March 23, 1991, and recognized by FIFA in 1992. It is responsible for overseeing the administration of football in the country, including both men's and women's national teams, as well as the lower tiers of the South African football league system.
Founding and Historical Context
SAFA was established following a long process aimed at unifying the sport in South Africa, which had been divided along racial lines during the apartheid era. The organization was formed from the amalgamation of four separate entities: the Football Association of South Africa (FASA), the South African Soccer Association (SASA), the South African Soccer Federation (SASF), and the South African National Football Association (SANFA). The culmination of this unity process was marked by a significant meeting on December 8, 1991, where a consensus was reached among the various factions.
Recognition and Affiliations
SAFA was officially recognized by FIFA in 1992, allowing South Africa to return to international football competitions. The association is also a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), having joined in the same year, and became affiliated with the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) in 1997.
Headquarters
The headquarters of SAFA is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Leadership
As of the latest information, Danny Jordaan serves as the President of SAFA. However, he is currently facing legal issues and has been subject to calls for resignation. His leadership has been marked by controversy, including allegations of fraud involving the misuse of SAFA funds for personal gain. Despite these challenges, he is running for re-election as SAFA president in January 2025.
Recent Developments
In August 2026, Pitso Mosimane was appointed as the head coach of the national men's team, known as Bafana Bafana. This appointment follows the departure of Hugo Broos, who led the team to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
National Teams and Competitions
SAFA oversees various national teams, including:
- Senior National Team (Bafana Bafana)
- Under-23 Team (Amaglug-glug)
- Under-20 Team (Amajita)
- Under-17 Team (Amajimbos)
- Senior Women's National Team (Banyana Banyana)
- Under-20 Women's Team (Basidzana)
- Under-17 Women's Team (Bantwana)
The association has facilitated South Africa's participation in numerous international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Financial Challenges
SAFA has faced financial difficulties in recent years, including an inability to pay staff salaries due to insufficient sponsorship and delayed payments from partners. In March 2026, the association signed a sponsorship deal with Standard Bank to help alleviate some of these financial pressures.
Official Website
For more information, SAFA maintains an official website at www.safa.net.
Conclusion
The South African Football Association plays a crucial role in the development and administration of football in South Africa, navigating challenges related to governance, financial stability, and the promotion of the sport at all levels.
