Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has revealed that he told South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan to step down if Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
According to McKenzie, he made this demand early in his tenure as minister, making it clear that World Cup qualification was non-negotiable. “When I first became minister, I met with Danny Jordaan and said, here are the two things: I want us to qualify for the World Cup, and if not, you must resign. He shook my hand and said he would deliver and he did,” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za.
From Tough Talk to Celebration
While McKenzie now praises Safa for delivering on their promise, critics argue that his claim comes conveniently after Bafana Bafana’s success. The minister was among the first to rush onto the pitch following South Africa’s qualification, celebrating enthusiastically in front of cameras. Many viewers felt uneasy seeing the focus shift from the players and coaching staff to a politician appearing to bask in the glory.
Whether McKenzie truly issued such an ultimatum or had the authority to enforce it remains uncertain. However, his statement has added another layer of political intrigue to Bafana’s road to the World Cup.
FIFA Interference Warning
McKenzie has also been outspoken about the controversial Teboho Mokoena yellow-card incident that nearly cost Bafana their qualification. Despite his intentions to seek clarity, FIFA rules strictly prohibit government interference in football administration a violation that could result in a national ban from international competitions.
The minister even sent a letter to FIFA last week requesting an explanation about the points deduction, despite Jordaan having already declared the matter resolved. This move placed McKenzie on shaky ground, as any direct interference could have serious consequences for South African football.
Gayton McKenzie: A Win with a Warning
While Gayton McKenzie’s strong stance and celebratory presence highlight his passion for the national team, they also expose the delicate balance between politics and sport. His words may have been meant to inspire accountability, but they also serve as a reminder that government involvement in football affairs must tread carefully lest Bafana Bafana’s hard-earned triumph be overshadowed by controversy.
Related article: Gayton Mckenzie Warns SAFA: Qualification Won’t Excuse Administrative Errors
