South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has clarified that the country has not yet been officially confirmed as the host nation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament. This statement comes in response to an earlier announcement made by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, who indicated that South Africa would replace Morocco as the host for WAFCON 2024.
Speaking on the matter, Minister McKenzie described Mabe’s statement as premature and emphasized that while discussions may be ongoing, no binding decision has been made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the change in host nation. McKenzie pointed out that any official confirmation would need to be provided by CAF, along with a formal process involving the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the relevant government bodies.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, originally scheduled to take place in Morocco, is Africa’s premier women’s football championship. The tournament holds significant importance as it showcases the continent’s top female football talent and serves as a platform for growth in women’s sports. Changing the host nation would involve considerable logistical adjustments, including venue preparation, accommodation planning, and security arrangements.
Minister McKenzie reiterated the government’s support for hosting major sporting events and stated that South Africa remains open to hosting WAFCON, provided that all organizational requirements and approvals are met. He also stressed the importance of proper channels of communication within government and between stakeholders to avoid confusion.
SAFA has not yet issued a formal statement confirming a change in host status, and CAF has remained silent on any modifications to the tournament’s location. As a result, the situation remains uncertain as officials await an official decision from the governing bodies.
Until then, preparations for WAFCON 2024 continue under the current assumption that Morocco remains the host nation. Further announcements are expected as negotiations and assessments between CAF, SAFA, and the South African government develop.
