South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has demanded a full explanation after reports that the national football team’s travel to Mexico has been delayed due to visa complications ahead of the World Cup.
According to national broadcaster SABC, an administrative error meant several Bafana Bafana players were not issued visas in time, resulting in disruptions to their scheduled departure. No further details were immediately provided.
Reacting on social media platform X, McKenzie criticised the situation and called for accountability from the South African Football Association (Safa).
“I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess,” he said. “We are being made to look like fools.”
The minister further described the situation as “embarrassing” and unfair to players and coaching staff, while Safa has yet to issue an official response.
Reports from South African outlet TimesLive indicated that urgent efforts were underway to secure United States visas for the team, allowing them to travel either later on Sunday or Monday.
The Bafana Bafana squad are scheduled to face Jamaica in a friendly in Mexico on Friday as part of their final preparations for the World Cup. They will also meet the Czech Republic in Atlanta, requiring clearance to enter the United States.
South Africa is among 10 African nations set to compete in the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The upcoming match against Jamaica is expected to be Bafana Bafana’s final preparatory fixture before the tournament begins on June 11, when they face the hosts Mexico in the opening game.
The team’s most recent outing, a 0-0 draw against Nicaragua that included a missed penalty, extended their winless run to four matches and drew criticism from sections of the media.
