By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – Danny Jordaan (pictured), organiser of last year’s World Cup in South Africa, goes head to head with a single rival on Friday (December 9) in a bid to get back into the footballing spotlight and oversee the game in southern Africa.
As reported by insideworldfootball last month, Jordaan has put himself up for election as President of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) but the present incumbent Suketu Patel says he is not fazed by Jordaan’s reputation.
Patel, from the Seychelles, has held the post for the last five years and is also vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), roles he hopes will swing the balance when the pair square up in Botswana on Friday.
Jordaan has pledged to bring in R30 million (£2.4 million/$3.7 million/€2.8 million) worth of sponsorship if elected but Patel said: “I normally do not prefer to talk about elections, but I can tell you I’m ready and confident that I will do well.
“I have the support of many federations in the region.
“The talk of a R30million sponsorship does not bother me.
“In fact, I once approached him [Jordaan] for a R5million sponsorship [for the region].
“I’m still waiting.”
Patel (pictured) says the stability he has brought about should stand him in good stead to leave Jordaan, who earlier this year failed to secure a place on FIFA’s Executive Committee when he was controversially brushed aside in CAF elections amid allegations of dirty tricks, disappointed again.
“When I started, we used to beg countries to host our competitions,” Patel told the Sowetan newspaper.
“The situation has changed in a big way.”
Jordaan, who has been meeting federations in the 14-nation region to mobilise support for his campaign, is equally confident of a landslide victory.
“I want to develop soccer at COSAFA and the entire region,” he said.
“I want Africa to occupy its rightful position in global football.”
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