Image: Cape Times
The unexpected setback has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning how such an oversight could occur on the eve of the country’s biggest football assignment in years.
McKenzie did not hold back in expressing his frustration, taking to social media to publicly condemn the South African Football Association (SAFA) over what he described as a deeply embarrassing situation.
“This South African Football Association travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff,” McKenzie said.
The minister revealed that he had already demanded answers from SAFA and insisted that accountability would be non-negotiable.
“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.”
His comments reflect growing concern over the impact the delay could have on the team’s preparations ahead of one of the most important tournaments in South African football history.
Bafana Bafana are set to kick off their World Cup campaign against hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11. The match is expected to be watched by millions around the globe and represents a major opportunity for Hugo Broos’ side to showcase the progress South African football has made in recent years.
With the countdown to kickoff rapidly shrinking, SAFA has moved to reassure supporters that efforts are underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In an official statement, the association said it was working around the clock to ensure that all outstanding travel requirements are addressed and that the squad can depart for Mexico City without further delay.
“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 said.
The association did not provide details regarding how many players or officials were affected, nor did it explain how the administrative oversight occurred.
The incident has once again placed SAFA under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing that organisational shortcomings continue to undermine South African football at crucial moments.
Fortunately for the national team, assistance has arrived from government level. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has reportedly stepped in to help facilitate the necessary documentation and expedite the process in order to minimise disruption to the team’s World Cup plans.
For the players and coaching staff, the focus remains firmly on football despite the off-field distraction. Hugo Broos and his squad will continue preparations in Johannesburg while awaiting clearance to travel, hoping that the visa complications can be resolved swiftly enough to avoid any impact on their readiness for the tournament.
South African supporters will now be anxiously awaiting confirmation that Bafana Bafana are finally on their way to Mexico, with the nation eager to see its team arrive at the World Cup without any further setbacks.
What should have been a moment of excitement and anticipation has instead become a national embarrassment, and the pressure is now firmly on SAFA to explain how such a costly administrative error was allowed to happen in the first place.
Source: www.iol.co.za
