Newly elected South African Football Association deputy president Natasha Tsichlas has made it clear that she has no plans to one day lead the organisation. The veteran administrator says she is happy in her current role and does not see herself standing for the top job.

Tsichlas was recently re-elected as one of three deputy presidents. She will serve alongside Linda Zwane and newcomer Tankiso Modipa. The three were chosen by the SAFA National Executive Committee during a meeting in Sandton. They will support president Dr Danny Jordaan, who recently secured his fourth term after beating AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu. The group will help drive SAFA’s Vision 2030 plan over the next four years.

Speaking about her future, Tsichlas said she does not expect to become SAFA president. “We are four vice presidents together with the PSL chairman, but I don’t think I will one day become the president of SAFA. I am very happy to be where I am,” she said. She explained that her focus is not on climbing higher in the organisation.

Instead, Tsichlas wants to put her energy into growing women’s football in South Africa. She has long been passionate about developing more women in the national teams, especially Banyana Banyana, as well as at other levels of the women’s game. She believes this is where she can make the biggest difference.

Tsichlas also spoke about her day-to-day duties. She said her job is to make sure the right policies are in place, that the organisation runs properly, and that she gives good advice to the president. She stressed that the national teams are performing well and that football is growing. “Our business is football. We are there for football. We are there to help and develop. That’s what I’m really passionate about. I want football to win. Anything else to me is not important,” she said.

Her comments come at a time when SAFA is looking to build on recent progress and strengthen structures across the board. With her clear focus on women’s football and organisational stability, Tsichlas appears set to play a supporting role rather than seek the presidency herself. Many in local football will be watching to see how this leadership team works together under Dr Jordaan in the years ahead.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113323247118798890