Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has revealed that he demanded SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan resign if Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie insists that from the moment he took office, he made his expectations clear to Jordaan qualification or resignation.
“I met with Danny Jordaan when I first became minister. I said to him, here are the two things: I want us to qualify for the World Cup, and if not, you must resign. He shook my hand and said he would deliver and he did. What more do people want me to say now?” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za.
Celebrations Stir Controversy
While his claim sounds bold in hindsight, it’s hard to verify whether such a conversation ever took place. It is unclear whether McKenzie could have enforced Jordaan’s resignation if Bafana had fallen short.
The minister was among the first to rush onto the pitch after Bafana clinched qualification, celebrating exuberantly before television cameras. The sight of a politician taking centre stage so soon after the players’ triumph left a sour impression. Some critics suggest McKenzie was trying to bask in the team’s glory.
Acknowledging Safa’s Success – and Stirring the Pot
Despite the backlash, McKenzie praised Safa for “keeping their word,” acknowledging the football body’s role in steering Bafana to success. He also commended Jordaan for delivering under pressure.
However, McKenzie has also been outspoken about the controversial yellow card error involving Teboho Mokoena. This was a blunder that briefly jeopardized South Africa’s World Cup hopes. In his bid for transparency, McKenzie even wrote to FIFA seeking clarity on how Bafana were docked points during their qualifying campaign.
Walking a Fine Line with FIFA
While McKenzie’s intervention may have been well-intentioned, it raised concerns about potential government interference something FIFA strictly forbids. Such involvement could, in extreme cases, lead to sanctions or even a ban from international football.
Safa president Danny Jordaan had previously stated that the yellow card matter was “closed,” suggesting McKenzie’s inquiry risked overstepping. For now, Bafana’s qualification has brought joy to fans, but McKenzie’s comments continue to spark debate over where government oversight ends and football autonomy begins.
Conclusion: Between Leadership and Limelight
Gayton McKenzie’s assertion that he demanded accountability from Safa’s leadership paints him as a results-driven minister yet his eagerness to share the spotlight has drawn mixed reactions. While Bafana Bafana’s qualification remains a cause for national celebration, the minister’s involvement serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political support and sporting independence.
Related article: Salary Cuts on the Table as Safa Battles Financial Collapse
