Former Orlando Pirates captain weighs in on Danny Jordaan's arrest as he calls for Bafana Bafana legends to lead Safa - 'It's about time one of us takes over'

Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has weighed in on Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan's arrest and suggested one of Bafana Bafana legends should lead the association. 

Jordaan, who is a former Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, was arrested for alleged fraud and theft of money totalling R1.3 million from Safa. 

Amidst those allegations, Mhlongo has insisted that Jordaan should vacate the office and let former SA football national team players do the job going forward. 

"Jordaan's arrest shows that we actually don't have a successor in place. What are these senior officials doing for us if there is no successor? Where is our football headed?," Mhlongo asked, per KickOff. 

"SAFA claims they don't have a step-aside rule since they are not a political party, but it is disheartening to see our president facing such serious allegations."

"No wonder they are hesitant to involve former players like Lucas Radebe. It's about time one of us takes over. Jordaan should go home and relax until these allegations are resolved."

For a while now, local football fans have been calling for Bafana legends such as Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, and Quinton Fortune, to mention a few, to be given a chance to lead Safa. 

However, that hasn't happened yet as Jordaan continues to be the president of the association. 

The 73-year-old administrator was arrested along with Safa Chief Financial Officer Gronnie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling. 

The trio have been granted bail of R20,000 each following their court appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates on Wednesday this week. 

Jordaan with his co-accused will appear again in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on December 5, 2024. As it stands, the president continues with his administrative work at Safa. 

Mhlongo, who joined the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) as a coordinator and player development manager, will be hoping his wish becomes reality one day.