By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has clarified that no official decision has been taken regarding a change of host for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
This follows comments by his deputy, Peace Mabe that South Africa was ready to host the tournament should Morocco be unable to do so, citing the country’s infrastructure, hospitality capacity and experience in staging major international events.
“We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and support [to host] the WAFCON. When Morocco said: ‘We are not able to host,’ South Africa said: ‘Yes. We are available. We are going to take it,'” Mabe said.
“It cannot be debatable because we have just hosted a successful G20 [summit in November] where heads of states – of different countries – were here. It tells you that in terms of hospitality, we are ready as well.
“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums. We have hosted the [2010 men’s] soccer World Cup before, so we are ready – we can host it.”
Confirmation of Morocco’s withdrawal as hosts and updated timelines for the tournament have yet to be issued by CAF, but Mabe suggested that little diversion would be required from the original plan for the WAFCON to be held from March 17 – April 3.
“Given the fact that it is in 60 days as well, we are not very much worried. We just have to put systems in place. From tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 2), we will begin.”
However, McKenzie responded hours after Mabe’s announcement with a statement contradicting hers, and claiming that discussions over WAFCON 2026 were still at an early stage, with no official confirmation of hosting rights.
“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),” McKenzie said.
“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary.
WAFCON 2024 was belatedly held in Morocco in July last year, with Nigeria beating the hosts in the final to take the crown from South Africa – who had won the previous edition in the same host country in 2022. South Africa are in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.