South Sets Sight On ‘Fair Play’ AFCON 2028
South Africa has officially set its sights on hosting the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirming the country’s intention and outlining a vision centred on fair play, strong officiating and regional cooperation.
Speaking to ESPN on the sidelines of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in Cape Town, McKenzie said South Africa is determined to deliver an AFCON that will be remembered for its integrity on and off the pitch.
“We are definitely going to host the 2028 African Nations Cup,” McKenzie stated. “The legacy we want to leave is good refereeing and fair play.”
AFCON Final Controversy Addressed
McKenzie’s comments come in the wake of controversy surrounding the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat on 18 January, where Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in a match disrupted by a mid-game walk-off by the Senegalese team amid disputes over refereeing decisions.
Senegal briefly left the field following the award of a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco, which goalkeeper Édouard Mendy later saved from Brahim Díaz. After play resumed, the match went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to hand Senegal the title.
While acknowledging the incident, McKenzie defended Morocco’s overall hosting of the tournament.
“Morocco did very well. You can’t judge them by one incident,” he said. “Games are stopped all over the world — it was unfortunate and no player should leave the field, but we shouldn’t ignore everything Morocco got right.”
Regional Hosting Plan Taking Shape
McKenzie also revealed that South Africa’s AFCON 2028 bid would be a regional effort, with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana currently listed as co-hosting partners. He added that Mozambique has also expressed interest in joining the bid.
The multi-nation approach mirrors recent CAF trends aimed at expanding infrastructure development and sharing hosting responsibilities across regions.
Confidence Despite AFCON Exit
Despite Bafana Bafana’s Round of 16 exit at AFCON 2025, McKenzie expressed optimism about the national team’s direction and long-term prospects.
The minister pointed to South Africa’s extended unbeaten run prior to the tournament — which stretched to 27 matches following a win over Angola — as evidence of growing stability within the squad.
“The team is in good spirits. We’re going to work together, and we’re all geared towards bringing the cup back home,” he said.
World Cup Focus Ahead
McKenzie went even further, boldly predicting South Africa could lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June, before facing one of Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia in Atlanta a week later.
South Africa will conclude their Group A fixtures against South Korea in Guadalupe on 24 June, with kick-off set for 03:00 CAT on 25 June.
