Minister McKenzie throws SA’s support behind Senegal’s bid to reclaim AFCON title

Speaking to Vusiwe Ngcobo on SABC News’ Morning Live earlier today, McKenzie says they will not allow Morocco to continue bullying African football and the Confederation of African Football’s other 53 member associations. 

This comes after the CAF Appeal Board stripped Senegal of its AFCON title, reversing the Teranga Lions’ 1-0 win over Morocco in the Rabat final. 

With Senegal heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to reclaim its title, McKenzie says they are fully behind them...

"We must not beat around the bush. Senegal are the African Champions because football games are not won in the boardroom. We will stand by Senegal and assist them, we've got top lawyers in this country that will help out."

READ: Senegal head to CAS over AFCON title strip

Yesterday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) indicated that it is receiving substantial support from across the continent and globally in response to this controversial decision. 

McKenzie has also reiterated that they are ready to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), after CAF was forced to reschedule it, as Morocco said they are not ready to host it this month. 

SA is one of the countries CAF approached to step in and host the tournament, which will also serve as a qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil...

"As far as the WAFCON is concerned, we have to be honest, why do they treat women in such a fashion. They would never do that to the men's game, so why do the women not know what's happening a month before the tournament starts. 

"We will not be held hostage by Morocco. South Africa's got much more than Morocco, we are a bigger country with a bigger economy and bigger stadiums, so I'm saying that we are ready to host WAFCON."