South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has confirmed the country’s intention to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), underscoring a strong commitment to making fairness and sportsmanship central themes of the tournament.
In comments shared with ESPN, McKenzie stated that preparations are underway as South Africa positions itself as a potential host for the continent’s premier football competition. He emphasized that the tournament, if awarded to South Africa, would showcase not only the nation’s capability to organize major sporting events but also its dedication to the principles of fair play.
“We want AFCON 2028 to go down in history as a tournament where fair play was more than a slogan—it was practiced,” said McKenzie. His remarks point to a broader initiative aimed at fostering integrity and competitive respect across all aspects of the event.
South Africa has a history of hosting major international sporting events. The country previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and 2013, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010—the first ever held on African soil. Drawing on that experience, McKenzie expressed confidence in South Africa’s ability to deliver a successful AFCON in 2028.
While details regarding the bid process remain limited, McKenzie’s statement reaffirms South Africa’s ambition to play a leading role in African football. Hosting AFCON 2028 would add to the country’s established legacy in global and continental sports.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to evaluate bids from various nations, with selection anticipated following a thorough review of infrastructure, logistics, and organizational capabilities. McKenzie noted that South Africa would ensure all requirements are met and would engage collaboratively with CAF to meet the expectations for a world-class competition.
As the bidding process unfolds, the focus from South Africa remains on promoting competitive fairness and delivering an event that reflects the values of the sport and the spirit of the continent.
