South Africa Set to Host AFCON 2028 Focused on ‘Fair Play’ – Minister McKenzie
South Africa aims to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2028, focusing on the principle of ‘fair play.’ This initiative was announced by Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, during a briefing at the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup trophy tour event in Cape Town.
AFCON 2028 and Fair Play Commitment
McKenzie emphasized that he wants the upcoming tournament to be remembered for sportsmanship and quality refereeing. His comments follow a controversial AFCON final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal triumphed over Morocco 1-0. This match was marred by disputes over officiating and disruptions to Senegal’s preparation, leading to a brief walk-off by the team.
McKenzie’s Vision for AFCON 2028
- Host nations include South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.
- Mozambique has also shown interest in participating as a co-host.
McKenzie expressed confidence in South Africa’s ability to unite for the tournament. He believes that the legacy of AFCON 2028 will be rooted in fair play and excellent officiating.
South Africa’s FIFA World Cup Aspirations
Looking ahead, McKenzie is optimistic about South Africa’s performance at the FIFA World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in North America. He noted that the national team, often referred to as Bafana Bafana, is in good spirits following their round of 16 exit in Morocco.
Upcoming Matches for Bafana Bafana
The opening match against Mexico will take place at Estadio Azteca on June 11. Following this, South Africa will face one of the following teams in Atlanta on June 18:
- Czechia
- Republic of Ireland
- Denmark
- North Macedonia
Bafana Bafana will conclude their Group A games on June 24 in Guadalupe against South Korea, with kick-off set for 3 A.M. CAT on June 25.
Conclusion
As South Africa prepares to host AFCON 2028, the emphasis on fair play reflects a commitment to enhancing the tournament’s integrity. With anticipation building for both AFCON and the FIFA World Cup, South Africa’s focus remains on unity and sporting excellence.
