Minister McKenzie Demands More from Bafana Bafana Amidst Mixed Reactions

South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has recently lauded the South African Football Association (Safa) for ensuring Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco. However, McKenzie, not one to rest on past accomplishments, has made it clear that his expectations for the national team go beyond the continental tournament.

In a recent statement, McKenzie demanded that Bafana Bafana not only perform well at AFCON but also focus on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His stance has drawn a mixture of reactions from the South African football community, with some fans supporting his vision and others questioning his involvement.

A section of the footballing public has accused McKenzie of trying to take credit for a success he had no part in. “Bafana Bafana qualified for AFCON last season with Bross! Gayton McKenzie was not the minister and that’s an unpopular fact. How does he come and claim the victory?” remarked Grey Mjangazi, a fan expressing frustration at McKenzie’s claims.

Others, however, have called for McKenzie’s leadership to extend beyond football strategy and tackle deeper issues within Safa. Ruth Stemmet, a concerned fan, asked, “Why distance yourself from Jordaan’s case? You are a Minister of Sports, but you say you want to distance yourself from Jordaan’s case? We want him out.” This sentiment echoes the widespread discontent with Safa president Danny Jordaan, whose leadership has been increasingly questioned in recent years.

Phatela P. Mothapo added, “McKenzie seems to be talking while Danny Jordaan is asleep,” suggesting that the Sports Minister may be attempting to make himself heard amid the controversy surrounding Safa’s leadership.

While some fans argue McKenzie is meddling in football’s affairs, others express concern that his public comments could create unnecessary tension. “This guy will get our squad banned by FIFA. FIFA doesn’t want politicians interfering with Football Associations of all countries,” warned Gu Ndo Uknw, highlighting the potential risks of political involvement in football.

Additionally, there is a growing desire for Safa to stand on its own without relying on government funding. Zukisani Mkunqwana argued, “The last thing we want Safa to be is an organization that relies on the government for funds. Someone with creative ideas must take over.” This viewpoint resonates with fans who feel that the sport should be self-sustaining, with the football body finding innovative ways to raise funds and manage its affairs without burdening taxpayers.

On the other hand, some fans remain hopeful that the exclusion of Kaizer Chiefs players from the national team will lead to better results. Taylor, another fan, commented, “Bafana Bafana will achieve the other task as long as they continue leaving Kaizer Chiefs players out of the squad.”

Amid these varied opinions, there is also a growing call for McKenzie to take a more active role in addressing the leadership of Safa. Fans like Mohobelo Klaas have pleaded with the Minister to “suspend Danny Jordaan with immediate effect,” a sentiment reflecting frustration with the status quo within the national football body.

Despite the mixed reactions, Minister Gayton McKenzie has reaffirmed his commitment to seeing Bafana Bafana succeed, both in AFCON and on the world stage. Whether or not his calls for change within Safa will be heeded remains to be seen, but it is clear that South African football is at a crossroads—one where political influence, leadership, and the future of the national team will continue to spark debate.