South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has openly questioned Morocco’s handling of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Uncertainty has surrounded the tournament in recent weeks, even after CAF President Patrice Motsepe previously indicated it would proceed as planned.
With only days left before the scheduled kickoff, there has been no formal update from the hosts or the Confederation of African Football.
McKenzie expressed frustration over the silence and suggested that women’s football deserves clearer leadership.
“The situation regarding the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is very concerning,” McKenze said.
“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 (South Africa) have stadiums, we are not a country with less infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have.
“We don’t wait for no one. 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 [to host].”
The competition is slated to run from March 17 to April 3, with participating nations continuing preparations amid the uncertainty.
