South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie has addressed the recent suggestions that South Africa has stepped in to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In a press briefing on Wednesday morning at Freedom Park in Pretoria, the department called upon the media to address Video Assistant Refereeing, WAFCON, Liv Golf, F1, the National Language Summit amongst the key priorities and strategic initiatives within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
Alongside his deputy, Ms Peace Mabe, who last month stated South Africa will replace Morocco as hosts of WAFCON, he sought to clarify her statements which appears to have some truth in it, given the recent reports that the continental event will be postponed and no longer take place this month, as initially scheduled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The situation regarding the CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations is very concerning,” Mckenzie said.
“We were part of meetings, asking ‘are you willing to host WAFCON’. Someone then told the deputy minister ‘you can announce’. She didn’t just wake up, she was told by some officials ‘it’s fine, go ahead’.
“I want to protect the deputy and say I would’ve done the same. I’ve been part of the meetings.
“The situation surrounding WAFCON is deeply concerning, we must not be scared two difficult questions that not many dare to ask – are we now all being made to suffer because Senegal won the Men’s AFCON? If Senegal had not won the men’s final, would we still sit here with this uncertainty?
“Morocco must accept that a game of football is just a game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. No country should be judged for losing a football match, but how they react afterwards.
“Here is the second question – why do we treat women with such distain? If this was the men’s cup we would’ve known the date, the coaches would know prepare.
“How can we not know anything about a major tournament? Morocco is silent, CAF is silent. How can this be? South Africa is back hosting tournament. If Morocco is ready to host WAFCON, they should do so.
“But if they’re not ready, we are ready to do so. We have stadiums, we have the infrastructure, we are ready. We will not allow women to be treated in such a fashion.
“If Morocco are not ready, we are ready to step in.”
Meanwhile, CAF Head of TV & Communication, Luxolo September stated Africa’s football mother body will give an update on the WAFCON in the next 48 hours.
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