In the wake of the severe sporting and financial sanctions imposed on
South African football, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie
has issued a formal statement, labeling FIFA’s decision as “deeply
regrettable” and a source of national “embarrassment.”
The statement comes after FIFA’s announcement on Monday that Bafana Bafana
would be deducted three crucial World Cup qualifying points and the South
African Football Association (SAFA) fined CHF 10,000. The penalty was levied
for fielding Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho while the midfielder
was suspended, an administrative error that has drastically altered the
team’s qualifying path.
Minister McKenzie did not mince words in his assessment of the situation,
acknowledging that the blunder has “brought South Africa into disrepute” and
that his department must “take full responsibility for addressing it.” He
did, however, extend thanks to FIFA for its “swift action,” which spared the
nation a prolonged period of uncertainty.
Looking ahead, the Minister immediately pivoted to the team’s future,
framing the points deduction as “but a bump in the road” and urging the
nation to unite behind Bafana Bafana. “They deserve our unwavering support,”
McKenzie stated, emphasizing his “unshaken” belief that the team can still
secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in their final two matches.
Beyond the pitch, McKenzie announced a significant administrative response.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will spearhead a “thorough
investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction.” The Minister
committed to “uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring
accountability,” with a promise that a comprehensive report would be
compiled and made public to prevent a repeat of the error.
Concluding with a rallying cry, McKenzie called on all South Africans to
become the “12th man on the field” for the national team in their upcoming
critical fixtures in Durban and Mbombela. “Together, we can and must carry
them on our shoulders,” he asserted, framing the moment as a test of
national unity in a time of crisis.
