South Africa’s sports minister has accused Morocco of creating uncertainty around the hosting of the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and says his country is ready to step in if needed.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, said the country has the infrastructure to host the 2026 edition of the tournament if Morocco withdraws from its hosting duties.
The tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is currently scheduled to take place in Morocco. It would be the third consecutive time the North African nation hosts the competition.
However, speculation has grown in recent weeks that Morocco could reconsider its commitment following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Photo Credit: CAF
CAF president Patrice Motsepe previously said the tournament would still go ahead in Morocco, but reports of a potential withdrawal have continued.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, McKenzie said South Africa would be ready to host the event if CAF needed an alternative venue.
“If Morocco is ready to host the WAFCON because they had a brilliant AFCON, they should do so,” he said.
“But if they are not ready, we want to tell them we are not a country with no stadiums. We are not a country that doesn’t host games.”
Gayton McKenzie South Africa’s Minister of Sports and Culture. Photo Credit: SABC
McKenzie added that South Africa has world-class infrastructure and would not allow women’s football in Africa to be delayed.
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“We will not allow women’s football to be treated in such a fashion,” he said.
The minister also suggested that uncertainty over hosting could undermine the leadership of CAF president Motsepe, although he clarified that the remarks should not be attributed to the governing body.
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Morocco hosted the most recent edition of the tournament, where Super Falcons defeated them to win the title.
