Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a milestone for national football and vindicates his early faith in SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
Speaking to SportsBoom after Bafana Bafana sealed their first World Cup berth since 2010, McKenzie said the achievement delivered on a promise made when he first met Jordaan. “I told Danny that if we didn’t qualify, he must resign. He shook my hand and said he’d deliver and he did. What more do people want me to say now?” he said.
The minister, who has positioned football reform as a key priority since taking office, credited SAFA’s leadership and the technical team for restoring belief in the national side. “We needed this, not just for football, but for the country. They said it couldn’t be done, but now we’re going to America.”
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McKenzie also expressed optimism about the 2026 tournament, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. “It will be a great World Cup for everyone,” he said, praising the host nation’s organisation.
The minister confirmed progress on domestic matters too, including VAR implementation and sponsorship partnerships. “We’re finalising the winning bid for VAR soon. I don’t get involved in procurement, but there’s positive movement, don’t worry,” he said.
He also welcomed the return of Adidas as Bafana Bafana’s future kit sponsor, saying, “When we go to AFCON, we must look like champions, as we rightfully are.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
