The tournament is set to be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3 but the country’s status as host has come under serious scrutiny.

Ghana has qualified to compete in the tournament after winning bronze at the last edition; it was the Black Queens first podium finish since the 2018 edition.

Addressing a press briefing, Gayton McKenzie slammed Morocco’s uncertain approach to hosting the biannual continental event; the competition’s timeline got affected by the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic as a result.

In his address, South Africa’s Sports Minister shared that the Southern African nation is ready to step in to host the tournament that has Nigeria as defending champions.

Minister Gayton Mckenzie (Photo by Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

“We are ready because we have the stadiums, the people, infrastructure and transport system that are better than any country in Africa.”

2024 CAF Women’s AFCON Bronze Medal winners Black Queens Photo Courtesy: Ghana WNT on X

“There is no marketing around the tournament, there is nothing. I think we are dealing with a situation where it [cannot be] anyone but South Africa.”

Grace Asantewaa (5) in action against Morocco Photo Courtesy: GhanaWNT on X

“We are ready to host because we won’t allow countries that don’t have the same infrastructure as ours to hold us hostage because people can’t make up their minds” McKenzie said.