KE NAKO HAPE

It could possibly be time again to open the country’s doors for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup

Photos: BackpagePix | African News Agency (ANA) By: Herman Gibbs

BANYANA Banyana have become a glowing advertisement for South African women’s football and after the team finally conquered Africa in Rabat, the chances of hosting the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup are glowing red hot.

Before the start of the Wafcon, the first target was Fifa World Cup qualification and that was achieved after their quarter-final win over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles. Next, the focus shifted to winning Wafcon, which they brilliantly did with a 2-1 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Now the talk has changed to bidding for the 2027 Fifa World Cup.

The president of the SA Football Association (Safa) Danny Jordaan has been leading the charge of the 2027 women’s global showpiece coming to the southernmost tip of the African continent.

“Banyana Banyana are showing that South African football has established itself and their exploits in the tournament will play a huge role in our bid to have the 2026 World Cup hosting rights,” said Jordaan, the man who pioneered SA’s successful 2010 Men’s Fifa World Cup bid.

“If a team does well, it is easier to convince people that you’re a footballing nation and you can accommodate the world.”

Safa have previously submitted a bid to Fifa to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup. They competed against eight other nations, including Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Fifa eventually opted for a joint venture between Australia and New Zealand, edging out Colombia in the final bidding process.

The Antipodean countries won the vote 22-13 to earn the right to host what will be the first Women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams. It will also be the first time a major senior football tournament will be held Down Under.

The Australia/New Zealand bid received a score of 4.1 out of five, with it appearing to present the most commercially favourable proposition, according to Fifa.

Banyana have only made one previous appearance at the Fifa Women’s World Cup, in France three years ago.

South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan embraces Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis after their Wafcon triumph.

Nelson Mandela celebrates with Danny Jordaan after South Africa’s successful 2010 Men’s Fifa World Cup bid.