The Bafana Bafana team was rearing to travel to Mexico for their FIFA World Cup 2026 commitments but those plans were grounded after some players visas were not secured
Image: Backpagepix
THE South African Football Association (SAFA) scored an own goal of note even before the country's national team Bafana Bafana could kick a ball in anger at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
An Emergency Committee Meeting was held on Saturday night after Bafana Bafana's departure plans for the showpiece football tournament ground to a halt due to visa issues.
The team was due to depart early on Sunday from OR Tambo International Airport on a chartered flight for Mexico but those plans had to be postponed.
SAFA said the senior men’s national team experienced challenges regarding Visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America.
Bafana's opening match is set for June 11 against Mexico, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico, USA and Canada are co-hosts of the tournament.
"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) and a further update will be communicated to the nation after its conclusion," said Safa.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie was miffed that Bafana Bafana could not travel as planned for their FIFA World Cup 2026 commitments.
Image: GCIS
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has slammed SAFA, saying the incident was "embarrassing and unfair".
"This South African Football Association travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff.
"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," he said
Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has stepped in to assist.