Tsantsabane Local Football Association elects new leadership at 2026 Congress

THE NEWLY elected Chairperson of the Tsantsabane Local Football Association (TSALFA), Elridge Asten Davids, delivered a principled and unifying address, outlining his vision for the future of football in the Tsantsabane Local Football Area.

Davids greeted delegates, leaders, and custodians of the game, emphasising that football is more than just competition. He described football as a community platform that promotes opportunity, discipline, and social cohesion. He stated that the Local Football Association must be a space where clubs are supported, talent is developed, and administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner.

Addressing delegates in Afrikaans, Davids affirmed that his commitment as Chairperson is rooted in integrity, active listening to clubs, and strengthening collaboration with SAFA structures. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that development programmes, refereeing, youth football, and women’s football receive the attention, respect, and resources they deserve.

A call for unity and collective responsibility

He further called for unity and collective responsibility, noting that progress can only be achieved when stakeholders work together with mutual respect for the game. Davids acknowledged the foundation laid by previous leadership and encouraged all clubs to build on that foundation to further strengthen the LFA through improved unity and shared purpose.

The President of the SAFA ZF Mgcawu Region, Ms Emma Hendricks, addressed the Congress, expressing concern that some Local Football Associations (LFAs) are no longer fully functional and are unable to complete a full four-year term. She emphasised that LFAs function effectively through active club participation and sustained commitment.

Hendricks stressed that members of the Executive Committee must be committed to the LFA structure itself, in this case TSALFA, and to the advancement and success of the Association as a whole, rather than serving to advance the interests of their respective clubs. She further highlighted the need for Tsantsabane to actively advocate for increased participation of women in football.

Unity through a disciplined Ordinary Congress

She commended TSALFA for demonstrating unity through a disciplined Ordinary Congress, noting the absence of infighting and describing the proceedings as a clear show of character and commitment to the advancement of the LFA.

Hendricks clarified that the presence of Regional leadership was not intended to place the LFA Ordinary Congress under scrutiny, but rather to provide oversight and to observe how the LFA conducts its Congress. She commended the Association for hosting a disciplined and successful Congress.

Hendricks acknowledged that the road ahead will not be easy and that challenges lie ahead, but wished the newly elected leadership well on behalf of the Regional structure for the 2026 term and beyond. She reiterated the importance of women’s football development as a key priority moving forward.

Commitment to serving the Association reaffirmed

In closing, the incoming Chairperson expressed gratitude to affiliated clubs for their continued support, dedication, and belief in football, reaffirming his commitment to serving the Association and advancing the interests of football across Tsantsabane.

The newly elected TSALFA Executive Committee is led by chairperson Elridge Asten Davids. He is supported by Joan Ruiters as first vice-chairperson, Godfrey Mohamba as second vice-chairperson and Johan Kasper as third vice-chairperson. Lebogang Daniels was elected secretary, with Karabo Mokanyane appointed as treasurer. The additional members of the Executive Committee are Katlego Goeieman, Beatrice Willemse, Benita Bobokwe, Bakang Morongwe and Alister Rodger Davids.

The newly elected Executive Committee assumes office with immediate effect and is entrusted with strengthening governance, improving league administration, enhancing club compliance, and advancing football development at all levels within Tsantsabane.