The Strategic Comeback of Tebogo Motlanthe in South African Football Association: A Power Play of Strategy and Survival

Former CEO Tebogo Motlanthe is set to return to the South African Football Association (SAFA) in a move that could strengthen the odds of Dr. Danny Jordaan retaining his presidency. Jordaan hopes to secure his fourth term as president and sees Motlanthe as a crucial element in achieving this ambition. Motlanthe’s potential return represents a strategic move in the complex game of South African football politics.

Former CEO Tebogo Motlanthe is set to make a sensational return to the South African Football Association (SAFA), entangled with conditions and implications. Dr. Danny Jordaan, the president of SAFA, hopes to secure his fourth term and sees Motlanthe as a crucial element in achieving this ambition. Motlanthe’s potential return could strengthen Jordaan’s odds of retaining his presidency and represents a strategic move in the complex game of South African football politics.

Anticipation of a Dramatic Return

The South African football landscape is buzzing with news of an unexpected turn of events. According to Sunday World’s report, former CEO Tebogo Motlanthe is set to make a sensational return to the South African Football Association (SAFA). However, this prospective comeback is entangled with conditions and implications.

In May, Motlanthe stepped down from his position as the CEO of SAFA. He cited meddling in his responsibilities as the primary reason for his departure. The picture painted by his resignation was one of a man wishing to exert more independence and control over his work, rather than feeling like a powerless bureaucrat.

Dr. Danny Jordaan, the president of SAFA, is reported to be prepared to compromise and extend an invitation to Motlanthe to return. This move suggests Jordaan’s wish to redefine their relationship, allowing Motlanthe the liberty to perform his CEO duties unobstructed.

Chess Moves and Strategic Ploys

Nevertheless, this seemingly generous act is masking a calculated maneuver. Jordaan, currently serving his third term as SAFA president, hopes to secure his fourth term. He views Motlanthe as a crucial element in achieving this ambition.

Originally, Jordaan’s aspiration for a fourth term was linked to South Africa’s plan to bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The country’s decision to withdraw from the bid, however, has given rise to a new narrative. There exists a burgeoning belief that there are no suitable candidates to fill Jordaan’s shoes if he decides not to run for the presidency again. This narrative, combined with Motlanthe’s potential return, could strengthen Jordaan’s odds of retaining his presidency.

An unidentified NEC member shed light on Jordaan’s strategic intentions. He disclosed, “Jordaan intended to use the 2027 Women’s World Cup bid as leverage to remain in football. But with the government extinguishing this bid, he is planning to use Motlanthe to stay in football beyond 2026.” This intriguing revelation suggests that Jordaan’s strategic card in his consolidation of SAFA’s presidency is Motlanthe’s return.

The Implications and the Ultimate Question

Jordaan’s strategy involves Motlanthe drumming up support for his fourth term. The scenario envisions regions advocating Jordaan’s continued leadership on the grounds of an absence of appropriate replacements. In essence, Motlanthe’s comeback symbolizes more than a simple return. It represents a strategic move in the complex game of South African football politics.

To grasp the impact of this development, one must delve into the intricate power dynamics within SAFA. Jordaan’s aspiration for a fourth term, even amidst the canceled World Cup bid, underlines his resolve to maintain his position. Conversely, Motlanthe’s potential return could symbolize his attempt to regain his influence and autonomy within SAFA.

However, the ultimate query emanating from this situation is whether Motlanthe will indeed capitulate to Jordaan’s scheme and, by extension, accept the terms of his return. As the South African football fraternity holds its collective breath, the stakes are high, and the football politics game is at its zenith, all eyes are eagerly awaiting Motlanthe’s decision.

1. Who is Tebogo Motlanthe and why is his potential return to SAFA significant?

Tebogo Motlanthe is a former CEO of the South African Football Association (SAFA) who is set to make a sensational return to the organization. His potential return is significant because it could strengthen the odds of Dr. Danny Jordaan retaining his presidency.

2. Why did Tebogo Motlanthe step down from his position as CEO of SAFA?

Motlanthe stepped down from his position as the CEO of SAFA in May, citing meddling in his responsibilities as the primary reason for his departure. He wished to exert more independence and control over his work, rather than feeling like a powerless bureaucrat.

3. What is Dr. Danny Jordaan’s ambition in relation to Tebogo Motlanthe’s potential return?

Dr. Danny Jordaan, the current president of SAFA, hopes to secure his fourth term and sees Motlanthe as a crucial element in achieving this ambition. Jordaan views Motlanthe’s potential return as a strategic move in the complex game of South African football politics.

4. What is the significance of the canceled World Cup bid in relation to Jordaan’s aspirations for a fourth term?

South Africa’s decision to withdraw from the bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup gave rise to the belief that there are no suitable candidates to fill Jordaan’s shoes if he decides not to run for the presidency again. Jordaan’s aspiration for a fourth term, even amidst the canceled World Cup bid, underlines his resolve to maintain his position.

5. What is the potential impact of Tebogo Motlanthe’s return on the power dynamics within SAFA?

Motlanthe’s potential return could symbolize his attempt to regain his influence and autonomy within SAFA, while Jordaan’s strategy involves Motlanthe drumming up support for his fourth term. The scenario envisions regions advocating Jordaan’s continued leadership on the grounds of an absence of appropriate replacements.

6. Will Tebogo Motlanthe capitulate to Dr. Danny Jordaan’s scheme and accept the terms of his return?

The ultimate query emanating from this situation is whether Motlanthe will indeed capitulate to Jordaan’s scheme and, by extension, accept the terms of his return. The South African football fraternity holds its collective breath as the stakes are high, and the football politics game is at its zenith, all eyes are eagerly awaiting Motlanthe’s decision.