The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has made clear his expectations for South African football, tasking South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan with two crucial objectives: qualifying for both the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
McKenzie’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to improving the performance of the national football teams and reigniting the country’s competitive spirit on the global stage.
A Clear Call to Action for SAFA
Minister McKenzie highlighted the urgent need for Bafana Bafana to not only compete in major international tournaments but also to excel. Recent years have seen the national team struggle to consistently qualify for the FIFA World Cup, with their last appearance dating back to 2010 when they hosted the event. Furthermore, South Africa’s performances in the AFCON have been underwhelming since winning the tournament in 1996.
McKenzie’s message to Jordaan and SAFA is simple: “We must return to the days when South African football was respected across the continent and the world. The time for excuses is over.”
He pointed out that a nation with South Africa’s resources, particularly the well-funded Premier Soccer League (PSL), should easily qualify for such major tournaments. In contrast, countries like Burkina Faso, with far fewer financial resources, have outperformed South Africa. McKenzie made it clear that if SAFA does not achieve these goals, new leadership may be needed to ensure qualification.
Leadership Under Pressure
Despite the challenges, Danny Jordaan remains focused on leading SAFA through a difficult period. However, under mounting pressure from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, it is clear that reforms in SAFA’s management and a renewed emphasis on football development are critical for the association’s future success.
Internal Issues and Financial Controversies
Beyond the national team’s struggles on the pitch, SAFA has faced significant internal problems. Under Jordaan’s leadership, the organization has been embroiled in financial scandals, including a recent investigation by the Hawks over a R1.3 million fraud allegation. These issues have damaged SAFA’s reputation and raised questions about its capacity to lead South African football to recovery.
Rebuilding National Pride Through Success
Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and AFCON would be a major step toward restoring South Africa’s footballing pride. McKenzie’s challenge to SAFA not only aims to improve the team’s performance but also to reignite national enthusiasm for the sport. Success in these tournaments could help unify the country, filling stadiums and renewing belief in the future of South African football.
With the next qualification campaigns fast approaching, SAFA must act quickly to meet these objectives and prove its ability to lead a football revival.
Related article: Top 10 Priorities for Gayton McKenzie as Minister of Sports
