South African Sports Minister Guyton McKenzie has heaped praise on Morocco for the impressive organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the tournament as a landmark moment for African football.
According to the minister, the successful staging of the ongoing AFCON is clear evidence that the continent is fully capable of hosting major global sporting events.
“The Moroccans did an excellent job, and I am very proud of Morocco. They have proven to the world that Africa is ready to host global events, once again,” he said.
McKenzie also addressed comments made by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who had criticised the tournament, claiming he could not feel the AFCON atmosphere. The minister admitted he was unhappy with those remarks, stressing that such conduct was inappropriate.
“I was very upset with the Bafana Bafana coach, and I’ll be honest with you, you shouldn’t do that. You shouldn’t go to someone’s country and insult him in his own country. Nobody should do that. It’s wrong,” he stressed.
He went on to state that the coach’s claims did not align with what he personally observed during his stay in Morocco. McKenzie noted that the vibrant scenes in the streets and the warmth of the Moroccan people told a completely different story.
“We were in the streets, and we saw the atmosphere, so this was a big mistake, and I want to apologize to the Moroccans on his behalf for his statements. People should not be insulted in front of the whole world, who welcomed us with such openness,” the minister shared.
In closing, the South African Minister of Sport once again commended Morocco for setting a high standard with the tournament, describing it as a standout edition of the competition.
“The Moroccans have done an excellent job, and this is the best edition of the Africa Cup of Nations I have ever seen in my life.”
