JOHANNESBURG – SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has promised Morocco that South Africa will give the North Africans their unqualified support to get another World Cup on the African continent in 2026.
Morocco is vying to stage the world’s biggest football prize together with Canada, Mexico and USA.
The Moroccan delegation comprised of ex-Senegal and Liverpool striker, El Hadji Diouf and former Cameroonian goalkeeper, Joseph-Antoine Bell.
Jordaan said it would be great for Africa to have a second bite of the World Cup cherry, adding Morocco’s bid was Africa’s bid.
“It is an old myth that Africa doesn’t have the capacity and naysayers should stop using the political argument. Africa hosted the best Fifa World Cup ever and with good support, Morocco can emulate South Africa,” said the Safa president.
Jordaan assured Morocco that he will personally lobby for Cosafa and the rest of the continent to rally behind the Moroccan bid.
In his remarks, Antoine Bell said Morocco had all the ingredients of hosting another spectacular World Cup.
“South Africa showed the way and I am confident Morocco will follow suit. The country has international standards; from the stadiums to top infrastructure. Morocco can compete with the best in the world,” he said.
One of the best goalkeepers to come out of Africa, Bell said Morocco had put all in their 2026 bid and winning it would not be on sentimental grounds but would be worth it.
He said by giving Morocco its support South Africa’s voice would make all the difference on the continent.
“When South Africa talks on the continent, the rest of the continent listens hence it is vital for South Africa to support Morocco. South Africa has the experience and Morocco will use this experience to win the 2016 bid,” added Bell.