Ncobo, Safa still on collision path

A lot of vitriol fly from both sides

The SA Football Association [Safa] and Ace Ncobo are again on a collision course.

Ncobo addressed the media at FNB Stadium yesterday and revealed that Safa are planning on holding the elective congress on May 19, but he believes the current leadership led by Danny Jordaan shouldn’t be retained. Safa are expected to ratify the date on April 28 when they hold an extraordinary congress.

Ncobo, a delegate, will be arguing against adoption of any amendment to the electoral code and will call for a secret ballot for members to vote without fear of intimidation.

Safa chief executive Dennis Mumble said they were not going to comment on the allegations made Ncobo, a “clown”.

“It’s nonsense. He can go and fly a kite. We are not going to respond to that – it’s trash, it’s rubbish and you guys [the media] are taking it seriously.

He’s not proven a single allegation … he’s a clown,” Mumble retorted.

Ncobo’s presser went on for over an hour, and he described Safa as an organisation that’s in an intensive care unit and needs to be nursed back to health.

He was accompanied by former Safa national executive member Xolani Mtumtum.

Ncobo confirmed that he will hold a national conference on May 12 at a venue to be announced, where about 1 500 football people are expected to attend, with the theme “reshaping the future of SA football”. He has invited Safa, but has not received a response.

Ngcobo made a number of allegations, including that Safa are losing sponsors.

“I know that almost all the sponsors they [Safa] currently have want to exit the relationship,” Ncobo claimed.

“On Thursday last week, there was an emergency meeting with Nike because Nike wants to exit, they have not announced that.

“They will not tell you, for instance, that the [car] supplier deal with Avis [has ended]. Avis last week went to fetch their cars from Safa House,” he said.