13 October 2024 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) held a very successful Ordinary NEC Meeting in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, this weekend.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie joined the meeting towards the end and was present during some of the presentations. The members of the NEC discussed several matters robustly and were happy when Minister McKenzie reassured the meeting that he would continue to support SAFA’s various programmes.
Among some of the issues that were discussed, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said a lot of work has been done behind the scenes with regards to the video assistant referee (VAR), including discussions with the Minister and the PSL.
“We had a good engagement with Minister McKenzie, and he has committed to support the implementation of VAR. We will now meet again with him and the PSL to finalise the plan. He has made a commitment that he will make sure there is a contribution from government,” Dr Jordaan said.
Minister McKenzie later joined SAFA at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where Bafana Bafana hosted Congo Brazzaville in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges produced one of the most polished and clinical displays seen in recent years when they beat the visitors 5-0 in a pulsating match.
The city presented Bafana Bafana captain and Eastern Cape hero Ronwen Williams with an award in recognition of his immense contribution to sports performance.