South Africa tipped as the next hosts of the WAFCON in 2025

By Velile Mnyandu
20th August 2024

South Africa is in pole position to host the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in July next year and South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan has confirmed that they have already engaged the government about their plans.

Morocco were set to host the WAFCON tournament this year, but it was postponed to next year as it clashed with the Olympics. The North African country is also set to host the men’s AFCON in December 2025, and they have since stepped aside from hosting the WAFCON. Jordaan says they have made their intentions clear to CAF about hosting WAFCON.

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''Well, we have submitted to CAF our intention for the next WAFCON, of course that WAFCON was awarded to Morocco. CAF must now respond to us, if they say yes - it will give us the opportunity to defend our title at home, and it is a huge opportunity for Banyana,'' said Jordaan.

Banyana, the reigning African champions, had already qualified for the WAFCON after beating Burkina Faso 3-1 on aggregate. Jordaan says they are now focused on playing strong international opposition in preparation for the WAFCON. Desiree Ellis’ team is already scheduled to meet European champions England in Coventry in October.

''We also have to try and renew the Banyana team, and have them play friendly matches against big federations in world football, and I guess now it is up to CAF to give us a response,'' added Jordaan.

South Africa last hosted the WAFCON in 2010; Banyana Banyana finished third in that tournament as Nigeria beat Equatorial Guinea in the final.

The next WAFCON is scheduled for 6-25 July next year, and the AFCON is penciled in for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. Jordaan reveals that they are not the only country interested in hosting this WAFCON tournament. CAF has yet to make a decision on the next hosts, but SABC Sport has learnt that SA is the preferred host as they already have the stadia, and the infrastructure required to stage the tournament.

With SAFA also interested in bidding for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup after dropping out of the race for the 2027 tournament, which was awarded to Brazil, Jordaan confirmed that they intend to push ahead with that bid, as they have also received support from the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie.