Lord Gayton McKenzie has come under the spotlight, with some fans questioning his role and contributions to South African football since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Among the debates sparked by his recent comments, fans have expressed mixed opinions about the future of Bafana Bafana, particularly in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A growing number of fans believe that Bafana Bafana stands a better chance of qualifying for the prestigious tournament if the team continues to exclude players from Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa’s most iconic football club. This controversial sentiment stems from ongoing debates about the performance levels of players from the club in recent years and their impact on the national team’s results. However, these views have not been without criticism, as some argue that the exclusion of players based on club affiliation undermines the principles of selecting a national squad purely on merit.
McKenzie himself has stressed the urgency and importance of seeing the national team return to the global stage, given South Africa’s history of struggling to qualify for the World Cup since hosting it in 2010. He insists that every effort must be made to ensure Bafana Bafana becomes one of the African teams represented at the tournament.
Despite McKenzie’s public comments, some fans remain skeptical about his involvement and intentions. A section of the fanbase accuses him of trying to claim credit for achievements he has not contributed to, arguing that his focus should be on addressing deeper issues within South African football. Among these issues is the leadership of the South African Football Association (SAFA), with many calling for the resignation of Danny Jordaan, the current SAFA President. These critics believe that real progress in South African football can only be achieved if there is a significant overhaul in the association’s leadership, starting with Jordaan’s removal.
The call for Jordaan’s suspension reflects the frustrations of fans who feel that SAFA’s leadership has failed to deliver on its promises to improve football in the country. They argue that while the focus should remain on qualifying for the World Cup, the long-term success of South African football will require structural changes and accountability at the administrative level.
As the debates rage on, it remains to be seen whether McKenzie’s statements will lead to meaningful actions or whether they will simply fuel further division among fans and stakeholders. For now, the focus remains on whether Bafana Bafana can rise to the occasion and secure a place on the global stage in 2026, despite the challenges both on and off the field.
