18 April 2019 – Since the launch of MYSAFA in February 2017, SAFA’s player registration system has done wonders in eradicating age cheating and player identify theft in amateur football.

The FIFA-approved system is linked to both South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and FIFA Connect Id databases, making it very difficult for players and clubs to cheat by mis-representing a player’s age or identity.

The Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League was recently rocked by a case hinging on evidence provided by the MYSAFA Verifier smart phone app. When 2018 Eastern Cape title holders, Tornado FC lodged a protest against Yaka United on suspicion that their opponent had fielded a player using a forged card, the app was used to prove that Yaka had indeed fielded an ineligible player and on the basis of that, Tornado were awarded the three points. That amended result means Tornado now sit top of the log by a single point with two matches to be played this season.

“We have seen a number of similar incidents in ABC Motsepe League. The introduction of MYSAFA has all but eradicated such corrupt and unethical behaviour in Eastern Cape,” stated Provincial Secretary, Isaac Klaas. “The clubs and players have welcomed the system and we must applaud the association for such a system that is taking our football forward.”

To date, a total of 239 469 footballers have successfully been registered onto the system with the number expected to increase dramatically as more local football associations are welcoming the strong stance the Association is taking on age cheating and player identity theft.