Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, has criticised Morocco over what he describes as poor communication regarding the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
McKenzie said Morocco has not been forthcoming about its readiness to host the tournament for a third consecutive time, raising concerns just weeks before the scheduled start date.
The uncertainty follows earlier assurances from Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), that the competition would proceed as planned.
With only 13 days remaining before the tournament’s proposed kickoff, there has been no formal update from Morocco or CAF, fuelling speculation about the event’s status.
“The situation regarding the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is very concerning,” McKenzie said.
He stated that if Morocco is prepared to host the tournament, it should confirm so publicly. Otherwise, he said South Africa stands ready to step in.
“If Morocco is ready to host the WAFCON because they had a brilliant AFCON, they should do so. If they are not ready, we want to tell them, we have stadiums, we are not a country with less infrastructure,” he said.
He added that women’s football should not be treated as secondary and insisted that South Africa would not allow the competition to be jeopardised.
“We don’t wait for anyone. We will not allow women’s football to be treated in such fashion. If Morocco is not going to host it, South Africa is standing ready,” he stated.
Meanwhile, CAF is expected to provide clarity within the next 48 hours, according to the association’s Head of Communication, Luxolo September.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, with qualified nations already in preparation for the continental showpiece.
