South Africa’s sports minister has demanded an explanation from the country’s football association after visa issues delayed the national team’s departure to Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Gayton McKenzie said he had requested a report from the South African Football Association (SAFA) and called for action against those responsible for the disruption.”I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess,” McKenzie said in a post on X, describing the situation as embarrassing for the country.
SAFA acknowledged that the team, known as Bafana Bafana, had encountered visa-related challenges affecting some players and officials, but did not provide further details.
The squad was scheduled to travel to Mexico ahead of a friendly against Jamaica on Friday, which serves as their final warm-up match before the World Cup.
The team is due to open their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 before facing the Czech Republic in Atlanta, requiring the team and officials to obtain U.S. entry visas.
National broadcaster SABC described the incident as an administrative blunder, while local media reported efforts were underway to secure the necessary documentation to allow the delegation to travel later on Sunday or Monday.
Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told local media the issue was an administrative matter involving SAFA and the U.S. consulate, but said government officials were assisting and remained confident a solution would be found.”We are trying to assist to have this resolved and do believe it will be resolved,” Phiri stated.
The visa setback comes as South Africa prepare for their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Bafana Bafana head into the competition on a four-match winless run after a goalless draw against Nicaragua in their final home outing, a result that drew criticism from some fans.