South Africa's sports minister has demanded an explanation after reports emerged that the national football team, Bafana Bafana, was delayed in traveling to Mexico for the World Cup due to visa issues.
National broadcaster SABC reported an "administrative bungle" left some players without visas. Minister Gayton McKenzie said on X that he told the South African Football Association (SAFA) he needed a report and action against those responsible. "We are being made to look like fools," he added.
The team is scheduled to face Jamaica in a friendly in Mexico on Friday before their World Cup opener against co-host Mexico on June 11. This is South Africa's first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.