Confusion around the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has prompted South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to step forward and clarify the country’s position.
Speaking during a media briefing at Freedom Park on Wednesday, McKenzie responded to growing speculation that South Africa could take over hosting duties for the next edition of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The minister explained that the conversation around hosting did not emerge out of thin air. Instead, it followed discussions with football authorities amid growing uncertainty about whether the tournament will proceed as originally planned.
While Confederation of African Football has yet to confirm the tournament’s status, McKenzie made it clear that South Africa is prepared to step in if necessary.
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Confusion Around The Tournament’s Future
The issue first gained attention after Deputy Minister Peace Mabe suggested that South Africa could replace Morocco as hosts of the continental showpiece.
That statement sparked widespread speculation across the African football landscape. McKenzie used the briefing to explain that the deputy minister’s remarks came after officials indicated that such an announcement could be made.
According to McKenzie, the comments were not made recklessly.
He noted that he had personally participated in discussions where South Africa was asked whether it would be willing to host the tournament if circumstances required it.
Rather than distancing himself from Mabe’s statement, the minister publicly defended her.
He said that anyone placed in the same situation would likely have done the same after being told that an announcement could be made.
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Questions Raised Over Delays
McKenzie also raised concerns about the broader uncertainty surrounding the tournament.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most important competitions on the continent, yet details about scheduling and planning remain unclear. For coaches, players and national teams across Africa, the lack of clarity creates major challenges when preparing for such a significant event.
The minister questioned why a major continental tournament could reach this stage without clear communication.
He also suggested that the silence from Morocco and CAF has only deepened the confusion across the football community.
South Africa Signals Readiness To Step In
While stressing that Morocco should host the tournament if it is fully prepared, McKenzie made it clear that South Africa would not hesitate to assist if the situation changes.
The country, he said, already has the stadiums, infrastructure and organisational experience required to stage a major international football tournament.
South Africa has a long history of hosting global and continental sporting events, from major football competitions to large multi-sport tournaments. That experience, McKenzie argued, places the country in a strong position to help if CAF requires an alternative host.
His comments also highlighted a broader concern about how women’s football competitions are handled. McKenzie questioned why a tournament of this scale could still face such uncertainty when national teams rely on proper planning and preparation.
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CAF Expected To Provide Update
With speculation continuing to swirl, CAF is expected to clarify the situation soon.
According to CAF’s Head of TV and Communications, Luxolo September, the governing body is preparing to issue an official update within the next 48 hours.
Until then, the future of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that South Africa has placed itself firmly on standby if the tournament needs a new home.
🇿🇦 🇲🇦 “If Morocco is not ready to host the WAFCON, they should say so. We’re not a country without stadiums” ~ Minister @GaytonMcK says what’s happening to WAFCON is so unfortunate and they’re ready to step in when required! #SABCSport411 | @CAF_Online | @CAFwomen | @AFC_2025 pic.twitter.com/7LyjORiDhZ
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) March 4, 2026
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Source: iDiski Times
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