Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that Bafana Bafana will depart for North America on Monday. Image: Supplied.
FIFA World Cup
Bafana Bafana to depart for North America on Monday after visa delays
Bafana Bafana are set to travel to North America on Monday after visa delays forced the postponement of their scheduled departure, prompting Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to demand accountability for the administrative setback.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that Bafana Bafana will depart for North America on Monday after visa-related issues delayed the team's travel plans.
The senior men's national team was originally scheduled to leave OR Tambo International Airport on a charter flight early on Sunday en route to Mexico, where they are set to represent South Africa at the FIFA World Cup. However, the trip was postponed after several players and officials had not yet received their visas.
Providing an update on social media, McKenzie said all Bafana Bafana players have now been issued with visas to travel to the United States.
"All Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA. Outstanding is the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow," he said.
The minister expressed frustration over the situation, describing it as both embarrassing and unfair.
"I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools," McKenzie said.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that visa challenges affecting some players and officials prevented the team from travelling as originally planned.
Bafana Bafana are expected to travel to Mexico City ahead of their opening FIFA World Cup match against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
