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Bafana Bafana 26-man FIFA World Cup squad at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria
Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie has strongly criticised the delayed departure of Bafana Bafana for the FIFA World Cup 2026, due to an administrative blunder.
In a post on X, McKenzie says the South African Football Association (SAFA) travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff.
He also requests a detailed report from SAFA and demands that action be taken against those responsible.
Bafana were supposed to travel to Mexico on Sunday morning but several players have not received their visas yet. An administrative bungle in qualifying also almost derailed the team’s World Cup campaign.
SAFA says it will issue as statement later.
This @SAFA_net travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff. I have informed @SAFA_net that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 31, 2026
In a statement issued earlier, the South African Football Association says it is working around the clock to ensure Bafana Bafana travel to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as soon as possible.
An Emergency Committee meeting has been convened and a further update will be communicated to the nation after its conclusion.
VIDEO | Bafana Bafana’s departure delayed
