By Lehlohonolo Lehana
The administrative blunder has sparked frustration and anger among South African football supporters, as Bafana Bafana’s planned departure to Mexico has been postponed due to visa delays.
The squad was originally scheduled to depart on Sunday to begin acclamatizing ahead of their opening match.
Fullview learnt a number of visa applications had not been finalized in time, forcing the South African Football Association (SAFA) to postpone the team’s scheduled departure.
It is understood that head coach Hugo Broos is currently the only member of the technical team who has successfully secured a visa.
Among players who possess valid visas are Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams, Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau. Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Olwethu Makhanya hold US work visas, as they ply their trade in the MLS, and are unaffected.
The setback has placed pressure on football officials to resolve the matter quickly as the countdown to kick-off continues.
Despite the travel setback, there is optimism that the visa issues will be resolved before the team begins its World Cup campaign.
When contacted for comment, the football association said , it is working to resolve the matter, with a new departure date expected to be announced soon.
Bafana Bafana are heading into their first FIFA World Cup as qualifiers since 2002 and their first appearance at the tournament since South Africa hosted the competition in 2010.
Under Broos, the national team has rebuilt its reputation, earning praise for its disciplined performances and growing confidence against stronger opposition.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Mexico in a highly anticipated Group A opener, a fixture that already carries symbolic significance for South African fans given the memories of the 2010 World Cup opener between the two nations.