Gayton McKenzie announces South Africa's bid for 2028 AFCON
Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that South Africa is preparing a formal bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has officially confirmed that South Africa is preparing a formal bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to SABC Sport in Rabat, Morocco, the Minister revealed that the government is not only pursuing the hosting rights for itself but intends to invite neighbouring Namibia and Botswana to form part of a collaborative regional proposal.
This announcement comes as the current 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco enters its final stage, with the host nation, Morocco, set to face Senegal in the final tomorrow, January 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Following the Morocco edition, the 2027 tournament is scheduled to be held in East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Minister McKenzie highlighted the strategic importance of the 2028 bid, noting that Southern Africa has not hosted the continental showpiece since South Africa stepped in for Libya in 2013.
He emphasised the government's renewed focus, stating, “this government is very intentional about bringing the shine back to South Africa.”
The Minister warned that failing to secure the 2028 slot could result in a two-decade absence of the tournament from the Southern African region, asserting, “If we miss this one, it will be two decades of no football or no African Cup of Nations in Southern Africa. How can that be? It cannot be.”
South Africa’s history with AFCON is defined by the historic 1996 tournament, where the nation hosted and won the trophy in its debut appearance; a moment famously marked by the presence of the late Nelson Mandela.
The Ministry plans to submit the expression of interest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the February 1 deadline.
McKenzie underscored the nation's readiness and resolve, saying, “The time has come, and I can tell you unapologetically that South Africa will be submitting a bid for the 2028 AFCON.”
Beyond the sporting prestige, the bid is being positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, with the Minister noting, “Some would say the time has come to stop playing small. We are not a small country. We are a great country.”