South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan met with Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa in Bloemfontein on Thursday (8 June 2023) to present South Africa’s plans and interest in hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Dr Jordaan was accompanied by Russell Paul and members of the Association’s provincial leadership, while Minister Kodwa was with the provincial Members of the Executive Committee (MECs) and their HODs. Minister Kodwa, deputy minister Sports, Arts and Culture Nocawe Mafu alongside the MECs and the HODs were pleased with the presentation made by SAFA and gave the country’s Bid to host the 2027 FIFA woman’s World Cup a thumbs up.
Minister Kodwa expressed MINMEC’s appreciation and support of the Bid, saying: “I am pleased that the President of SAFA was able to make time, and come and engage us, and also make his presentation to the provincial MECs and HODs present here today because in the main, they are the people who are in control of our playing venues. By taking this time, this will enable us, alongside SAFA, to commence with our road to Cabinet and get their full backing.
“This will also present us with the ammunition to be able to talk about the country’s intended Bid and convince the BRICS members to also throw their weight behind our Bid. We are very happy with the progress that has been made and we are indeed on the right track.”
Dr Jordaan said he was happy after the support afforded to SAFA.
“As SAFA we believe that hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will accelerate the professionalisation of women’s football on the continent,” he said. ”As a Federation we currently have over 20 women footballers plying their trade internationally because of us not having a professional women’s league. It is important for us to work on creating a women’s professional league so that come 2027, we can be proud of the athletes produced through this effort.
“Thank you Minister for your support and those of the MECs, this is much appreciated.”
Dr Jordaan recently returned from a meeting with the Confederation of African Football’s headquarters (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt, where he briefed the continental governing body on South Africa’s intention to bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) endorsed South Africa’s Bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup last month (26 May 2023) and SAFA will engage all the other regions on the continent and inform them about the country’s intention to bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
SOURCED FROM SAFA WEBSITE.
