By Mark Ogagan
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has described as “deeply regrettable” the FIFA sanction against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
In his words, “This is a source of embarrassment to our nation.”
While accepting the sanction and thanking FIFA for their action, the minister acknowledged that the situation has brought the country into disrepute and vowed to take full responsibility for addressing the failures that led to the breach.
In addition, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture [DSAC] led by McKenzie, confirmed it will launch a thorough investigation into the “incompetence” that resulted in the sanction, with a comprehensive report promised to the public to prevent any recurrence of the issue.
“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. We thank FIFA for swift action and not making us wonder and wait in agony about our fate,” said the sports ministry.
“However, our immediate focus must be on rallying behind our national team as they prepare for their crucial final two matches in Durban and Mbombela. Bafana Bafana have played with immense heart and determination to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup next year, and they deserve our unwavering support. This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification; our belief in the team’s ability to succeed is unshaken.”
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