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Gayton McKenzie Says He Demanded Danny Jordaan’s Resignation If Bafana Missed World Cup

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Source: iDiski Times on X {https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/1842150268554620953/photo/1}

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has made a bold revelation about the South African Football Association (SAFA), claiming he demanded Danny Jordaan’s resignation if Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

The comment, while attention-grabbing, arrives at a convenient time after Bafana successfully booked their ticket to the tournament.

A Convenient Claim After Success

McKenzie insists that he took a hardline approach with Jordaan soon after stepping into his ministerial role. According to him, he laid down two non-negotiables: South Africa must qualify for the World Cup, and if not, Jordaan must step aside.

“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,” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za.

It’s a striking declaration, but one that’s impossible to verify now that Bafana have done the job. What’s clear is that McKenzie is eager to be seen as a no-nonsense leader driving accountability in South African sport.

Celebration or Credit Grabbing?

When Bafana sealed qualification last week, McKenzie was one of the first VIPs spotted celebrating on the pitch. Cameras caught him jubilantly embracing players and shouting in front of live TV a moment that divided opinion.

Many fans felt the spotlight should have stayed on the players and coaching staff, not a politician, while others saw his presence as symbolic of renewed government support for national teams.

Still, the optics of his celebration have stirred conversation about political image-building in South African sport.

Walking a Fine Line With FIFA

McKenzie has also drawn attention for his handling of the Teboho Mokoena points controversy, where South Africa risked losing ground in the qualifiers over a technical issue. After SAFA president Jordaan declared the case closed, McKenzie reportedly wrote to FIFA seeking clarity a move that borders on government interference, something FIFA strictly forbids.

Any perception of political involvement in football administration could have serious consequences, including suspension from international competition. For now, it seems McKenzie has decided to tread carefully.

The Bigger Picture

While McKenzie’s tough-talking persona resonates with many South Africans tired of sporting underperformance, it also raises questions about the blurred lines between political leadership and sports governance.

His claim about Jordaan’s potential resignation might never be proven, but it highlights an enduring truth in South African football that every moment of triumph is followed by the question of who gets to claim the glory.

{Source:IOL}

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