The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has led the nation of Morocco to request a postponement of the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament to be held at a later stage in the country. However, the Confederation of African Football insists the tournament go ahead as planned. Nevertheless, CAF has given them until the 8th of November state where they stand. In a bid to ensure that the tournament proceed as planned, CAF has asked seven nations to stage the soccer spectacle if Morocco were to withdraw, with South Africa being one of the seven nations. Although the South African Football Association and minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, have made it clear that SA hosting the tournament a is no no, I’m worried about CAF itself. Asking SA as an emergency host for the showpiece seems to be a habit the confederation has developed. In the past two events hosted by SA, 1996 and 2013, we were not the initial hosts but rather stepped in for other nations who could not host the showpiece. South Africa was asked to step in for the 1996 AFCON edition after it was initially granted to Kenya. It emerged that the country was cash-strapped. Also, the 2013 AFCON edition was initially granted Libya. However, South Africa generously accepted to host the tournament while Libya was strife-torn during that period. I believe CAF is using SA as an emergency room and we should not accept being treated in such a manner. In the respect, SAFA are right to let this one pass. What are your thoughts?
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 06:34:11 +0000
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