Since stepping into the role of Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture after the 2024 elections, Gayton McKenzie has wasted no time in setting high expectations for the future of South African sports, particularly football.
His no-nonsense approach and commitment to improvement have brought him into direct conversation with the South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Danny Jordaan.
In his latest challenge, McKenzie has laid out a clear directive for the national football team, Bafana Bafana, and the leadership behind it.
The State of Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana’s journey in recent years has been marked by both struggles and signs of hope.
After years of disappointing results, the team began to show signs of resurgence under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who took charge in May 2021.
Under Broos’ leadership, the team secured a third-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Ivory Coast.
This achievement was significant, marking Bafana Bafana’s first podium finish since 2000.
Despite this progress, concerns remain.
In their recent AFCON qualifier against Uganda, the national team was held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at Orlando Stadium.
As they prepare for their next match against South Sudan on September 10, the pressure is on to solidify their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie’s Challenge to SAFA
Minister McKenzie is making it clear that Bafana Bafana’s recent successes aren’t enough.
In a public statement, he issued a stern challenge to Danny Jordaan and SAFA: the national team must qualify for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup.
If they fail to meet these goals, McKenzie has warned of significant changes within SAFA’s leadership.
“I don’t have full confidence in football yet.
I have full confidence in rugby, but football needs to deliver results, not just promises,” McKenzie emphasized, signaling that he will no longer tolerate underperformance.
A Call for Accountability
McKenzie’s frustration is understandable, given the resources at the team’s disposal.
He pointed out that South Africa has the most well-funded football league on the continent, yet hasn’t consistently delivered on the international stage.
The minister questioned how nations with fewer resources, like Burkina Faso, manage to outperform South Africa in major tournaments.
He’s made it clear that if Bafana Bafana fails to meet these objectives, new leadership will be necessary to move the team forward.
What’s Next for South African Football?
For now, McKenzie is offering his support, but it comes with a warning: results must follow.
With the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, Bafana Bafana has a lot riding on the coming months.
The minister’s challenge has set the stage for what could be a turning point in South African football.
If the team rises to the occasion, it could mark a new era for football in the country.
If not, the changes McKenzie is hinting at may soon become a reality.
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