S’Africa delays World Cup trip over visa issues for players

South Africa's journey to the FIFA World Cup has been unexpectedly delayed due to significant visa problems affecting some players and officials, disrupting the team's travel plans.

The squad was scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Sunday for a training camp in Mexico. However, the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced that the team "has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials." SAFA is currently working diligently to ensure the team can travel to Mexico City as soon as possible and has convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.

“

has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials.

According to state broadcaster SABC, visas for at least 20 members of the traveling party were still being processed at the United States embassy in Johannesburg. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie voiced his strong dissatisfaction, demanding an explanation and vowing action against those responsible for what he termed a "mess."

“

SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible.

McKenzie described the "travel and visa debacle" as "embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff," adding that "We are being made to look like fools." This setback comes as South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, prepares for their return to the global showpiece after a 16-year absence.

South Africa is drawn in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. Their opening match against Mexico is scheduled for June 11. The team had recently played a goalless draw against Nicaragua in a warm-up match and is slated to play Jamaica in another friendly on June 5.

“

The travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff. We are being made to look like fools.