McKenzie Urges Morocco To Clarify WAFCON Hosting Plans As SA Offers To Step In

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, says the country will not be “held hostage” by Morocco over uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco has remained non-committal about staging the tournament, which was postponed from earlier this year to July. The Confederation of African Football issued only a brief statement confirming the postponement, without clarifying whether Morocco would still host the competition for a third consecutive time.

With uncertainty lingering, McKenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe, indicated that South Africa is ready to step in if needed, citing the country’s world-class infrastructure.

Mabe initially suggested that South Africa would take over hosting duties, but McKenzie later clarified the government’s position.

“Let me make this clear: if they are going to host, they should do so, and we will support them,” said McKenzie.

“If they are not going to host the WAFCON, they must tell us now.

“I’ll repeat it — if Morocco is ready, they should go ahead. They hosted a brilliant AFCON. But if they are not ready, we are not a country without stadiums or infrastructure. South Africa will never be held hostage.”

McKenzie stressed that women’s football must be treated with urgency and respect, warning against further delays.

“We will not allow women’s football to be treated this way. If Morocco is not going to host, South Africa stands ready,” he added.

AFCON fallout adds to uncertainty

Morocco’s position has come under further scrutiny following the dramatic conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The hosts initially lost the final to Senegal on 18 January, but the result was later overturned by CAF’s Appeal Board on Wednesday, which ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match. Morocco was subsequently declared African champions.

The controversy surrounding the final — and its aftermath — has left the continent awaiting clarity on Morocco’s next move regarding WAFCON hosting.

McKenzie backs CAF president Motsepe

McKenzie also warned that ongoing uncertainty could reflect poorly on CAF leadership, including president Patrice Motsepe.

“We cannot sit back and watch. This will embarrass the CAF president — he may not say it, but I will,” said McKenzie.

“We are ready. We have the stadiums, the people, the infrastructure, and a transport system that is among the best in Africa.”

South Africa has reiterated its readiness to host at short notice, as CAF faces mounting pressure to provide clarity on the tournament’s future.

However, SAFA, the mother body of football in South Africa, has not said anything about McKenzie’s interest in hosting the tournament, which is bizarre.