The race to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a dramatic turn as Southern African neighbors South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia officially signaled their intent to launch a powerful joint bid. This ambitious move aims to bring the continent’s most prestigious football tournament back to the COSAFA region for the first time in over a decade.South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the news from Rabat, Morocco, where he has been engaging with CAF officials. McKenzie emphasized that the “Government of National Unity” is determined to restore South Africa’s status as a premier global sporting destination.
The stakes for this specific edition are exceptionally high. CAF recently announced that starting in 2028, the AFCON will transition from a biennial event to a four-year cycle to better align with the FIFA global calendar. Minister McKenzie warned that if the region fails to secure the 2028 rights, Southern Africa could face a 20-year drought without hosting the showpiece.
The proposed “SADC Bid” plans to utilize existing world-class infrastructure, including South Africa’s iconic FNB and Cape Town Stadiums, alongside Gaborone’s National Stadium. The collaboration would allow Botswana and Namibia to showcase their emerging sports facilities and tourism appeal without the burden of massive new construction projects. The trio must submit their formal expression of interest to CAF by the February 1 deadline. They face stiff competition from football powerhouses like Morocco and Egypt, who are also reportedly eyeing the 2028 slot.
Read Full Article on Africa Hotspot
