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Sundowns were forced to rest players

Soccer Laduma

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February 12, 2026

We are in the second round of the season and things look exciting at both ends of the log table, in fact even in the middle as there is a lot to fight for. Every round of fixtures tells a story, and it looks like we are going to have an exciting end to the campaign. Let me wish our representatives in continental football, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs, all the best in their final round of group stages matches this weekend.

On the CAF chaos

Firstly, after the chaos at the Africa Cup of Nations final that was held in Morocco, players, coaches and countries were fined and suspended. Then there was the announcement by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe that AFCON would be played every four years, instead of biennially. There was so much outcry about that because many people thought having it every two years was more efficient for the continent. Others were asking if CAF is listening to FIFA because of the club vs country saga when players are supposed to be released for AFCON. So really, there's so much happening in the football world. There is also the uncertainty about who is hosting the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Did Morocco withdraw? Is that authentic and real? Will South Africa take over? Is it hearsay, because now it's the Minister (Gayton McKenzie) vs the Deputy Minister's (Peace Mabe) suggestions- or should I say comments that South Africa will step in and host WAFCON? This is like a bombshell. I don't know if I'm good at naming different types of bombs, but this one I think is an atomic one. I've heard that Morocco is threatening not to participate in any more CAF tournaments. They don't want to participate in any continental tournaments. Does that mean only the national team will boycott CAF, or does it also mean the clubs will do the same as well? There's so much confusion.

On Morocco 'boycott'

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