EXCLUSIVE: Sports Minister says South Africa ready to step in for WAFCON after CAF postponement

CAF announced this afternoon that the continental showpiece has been postponed to 25 July - 16 August, just 12 days before the initially planned kick off.

The deputy minister of sports Peace Mabe announced a month ago at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards that the country was going to host the WAFCON, however Mckenzie responded with an official statement clarifying that there were no agreements and Morocco remained the host.

Speaking to the public broadcaster, McKenzie says South Africa is still a powerhouse when it comes to hosting events.

“We are ready and open for business and tourists as South Africa. We are retaking our responsibility as the giant of Africa when it comes to hosting. We hope CAF takes the right decision in bringing it here,” McKenzie said.

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Banyana Banyana internationals Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau (both Mexico-based), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark), Jessica Wade (Finland) had already arrived at camp last week.

In an interview with Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000 on Tuesday night, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis had also raised her concerns about the WAFCON.

“I think we are all in the dark, we all hear or see things on social media. So, if someone is listening, they can just give us a yes or a no because after the 7th it becomes very difficult because other dates belong to the tournament so you can’t keep the players,” Ellis said.

“It’s not a FIFA break where you can keep the players, like an international FIFA date where it’s a women’s FIFA date where you can play the friendlies because it was now from 25th [of February] to the 7th of March. 

“If we don’t hear anything we can’t keep players because other countries, and other clubs have recalled the players. 

“Some players haven't even flown to their countries because of the uncertainty and it’s not fair, I’m just gonna raise one question, will this happen in the men’s game?"