Bafana visa crisis averted as Minister demands heads to roll

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced a significant breakthrough in the visa debacle that threatened to derail Bafana Bafana’s World Cup preparations.

On Sunday evening, he confirmed that all players have now been issued the necessary travel documents for their trip to North America.

The South African squad‘s plans were thrown into disarray when their chartered flight, scheduled to depart from OR Tambo International Airport for Mexico on Sunday, was postponed due to visa delays. The team had intended to travel early to acclimatise and prepare for an upcoming friendly match against Jamaica on Friday.

How many Bafana members were stranded?

Reports had indicated that approximately 20 members of the traveling party, including players and staff, had not received their visas in time for the planned departure.

The situation prompted the South African Football Association (SAFA) to call an emergency National Executive Committee meeting on Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, an incensed Minister McKenzie had publicly condemned the situation, calling it an embarrassment and demanding accountability from the nation’s football governing body.

Gayton McKenzie provides positive update

“This SAFA travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff,” McKenzie stated on the social media platform X. “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.”

In a later update, McKenzie confirmed the positive development for the players but noted that some key staff members were still waiting for clearance.

“All Bafana Bafana players received their visas to travel to the USA,” he announced. “Outstanding is the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst. The charter will leave tomorrow [Monday].”