SAFA’s leadership crisis deepens after Tebogo Motlanthe resigns, raising governance concerns

Tebogo Motlanthe has reportedly once again parted ways with the South African Football Association (Safa), following a period of quiet but impactful service.

His resignation, effective after serving his notice, marks a notable shift in the federation’s operational framework, significantly influenced by his earlier frustrations over the direction of Safa under the current leadership.

When asked to comment, Safa president Danny Jordaan said he was out of town in Port Elizabeth and had yet to be informed. CEO/General Secretary Lydia Monyepao did not respond to a request for confirmation of the resignation. Mninawa Ntloko, Safa spokesperson, did not respond to our request for confirmation.

It is not the first time the chief operating officer, Motlanthe, has chosen to resign; in May 2023, he submitted a widely circulated resignation letter that resonated throughout the football community.

In his letter, he expressed profound dissatisfaction, stating he could no longer fulfil his role “from a position of no power,” and lamented that he felt reduced to “a glorified clerk.”

His departure sent shockwaves through the organisation and raised questions about its governance structure.

Motlanthe’s departure is poised to leave a significant void within Safa’s legal and administrative frameworks, which may lead to delays in crucial decisions and the resolution of ongoing disputes.

The timing of his exit raises further eyebrows, particularly as it comes on the heels of Technical Director Walter Steenbok’s resignation earlier this year. Steenbok, too, cited a lack of institutional support for his developmental initiatives, thus highlighting an apparent crisis within the federation.

As for what lies ahead for Motlanthe, speculation surrounds his next career move, especially considering his established expertise and insight into football governance. Previously, there was speculation that he may have potential roles in both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Cosafa, where his contributions could enhance regional sports development.

The resignation of two key figures within a short span poses challenges for Safa as it grapples with maintaining unity and direction.

As the organisation navigates these changes, the coming months will reveal the long-term effects of Motlanthe’s departure and whether Safa can robustly respond to its ongoing governance challenges, more so ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup journey.