Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is hopping mad after Bafana Bafana failed to travel to the Americas for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana were due to fly out on Sunday morning, but remain at home because of an “administrative bungle” that resulted in some players failing to receive their visas on time.
McKenzie took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent his frustrations over the matter, but also assured the nation that he has demanded answers from the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“This SAFA travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff,” tweeted McKenzie.
“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.”
Bafana Bafana will face co-host Mexico on 11 June in the opening match of the tournament, before taking on the Czech Republic on 18 June and South Korea on 25 June.
The national team head coach, Hugo Broos, previously said arriving early in Mexico to acclimatise would be key to Bafana Bafana’s objective to get past the group stage.
SAFA, meanwhile, says it is working around the clock to ensure the team’s preparations are not disrupted.
“The South African senior men’s national team has experienced challenges regarding Visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned.
“SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match of the global tournament against the hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the team’s preparations for the tournament remain on track and in the meantime, Bafana Bafana will continue to train in Johannesburg until departure.
“SAFA will have an Emergency Committee Meeting this evening (Sunday, 31 May 2026) and a further update will be communicated to the nation after its conclusion.
Last year, SAFA was in the news when Bafana Bafana were docked three points in the World Cup Qualifiers after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho despite being suspended.
The fingers were pointed at team manager Vincent Ntseka for the bungle, but in the end, he kept his job.
