Challenge Jordaan at the elections - McKenzie to SAFA critics

McKenzie made the remarks as some SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) members opposed to President Danny Jordaan accused him of ignoring their concerns about the organisation's state.

The SAFA NEC meeting, chaired by Jordaan, descended into a physical altercation between members. 

Despite the complaints against Jordaan, McKenzie says that as minister, he works with the incumbent leadership elected to run the organisation.

"My stance on this is, I work with the incumbent, incumbent is Danny Jordaan but if you don't like Danny, elections are around the corner, put your name in the hat. Don't come to me, I'm not running for SAFA,” McKenzie said. 

“The best way to complain is to partake, I was tired of complaining about politicians, so I entered the ring. Now if you feel Danny Jordaan is not doing a good job, I would even walk with you if you beat Danny. 

“I don't care who's there, I must respect the incumbent that's there. So, for everybody that's against Danny Jordaan, you have never had a more brilliant time to remove Danny Jordaan than the upcoming elections."

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Following the altercation, McKenzie also threatened to approach the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to assist in investigating what he described as unacceptable behaviour by NEC members.

With this being an election year at SAFA and Jordaan expected to seek a fourth term, there have also been accusations that the association’s constitution limits contestation. 

McKenzie says issues around the constitution must be handled internally within football structures.

"No, I think you must go and see what the constitution of SAFA says. They can lay a formal complaint if SAFA is in breach of this constitution regarding matters of election,” the minister added.

“The constitutions of federations differ from federation to federation. Now the term limits also differ, so, I'm saying there must be a free and fair election and if anybody has got information of a not so free and fair election, you have a right to write to us and we will take action."