Jessica Motaung Tipped For Top SAFA Post

JOHANNESBURG – Jessica Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs’ marketing and commercial director, has emerged as a potential challenger in the race for the South African Football Association (SAFA) presidency, with reports suggesting she has secured early backing from structures within the Northern Cape ahead of elections scheduled for September 2026.

Information reaching The African Chronicle indicates that officials in the Northern Cape view Motaung as a credible alternative to incumbent SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan, citing her administrative experience and long-standing involvement in South African football. According to a source familiar with discussions within provincial structures, the endorsement reflects a growing belief that SAFA requires fresh leadership at the top.

“The Northern Cape Province has officially endorsed Jessica Motaung as its preferred national candidate ahead of the Elective Congress,” the source said. “This signals the first formal provincial backing for a challenger to the current leadership.”

If confirmed, such support would mark a significant development in what is expected to be a closely watched election, with growing debate around governance, commercial growth and institutional reform within South African football.

However, Northern Cape SAFA chairperson Lebogang Riet has played down the reports, saying no formal endorsement has yet been made and cautioning against premature claims.

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Riet told The African Chronicle that, under SAFA’s constitution, nominations must originate from regional structures rather than provincial leadership.

“We are in a period where people are saying things without understanding the process,” Riet said. “As the Northern Cape, we are fully aware that regions are the ones that nominate. As a provincial executive, we cannot make that kind of pronouncement on behalf of regions.”

He added that the province was still awaiting input from its regions and that no consolidated position had been reached.

“I don’t know where this started, to be honest. Everybody has been calling me, but if you know the SAFA constitution, you know that as chairperson, I cannot speak on behalf of the regions. Each region is a direct member of SAFA, not of the province,” Riet explained.

Despite the uncertainty, Motaung’s name entering the conversation highlights growing interest in alternative leadership ahead of the 2026 elective congress. A senior executive at one of the country’s most commercially successful clubs, she has played a key role in Kaizer Chiefs’ brand growth, sponsorship strategy and fan engagement over the years.