Gayton McKenzie has slammed the South African Football Association (SAFA) after Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico had to be paused over an apparent visa mix-up.
IOL reported that the squad was due to board a chartered flight from the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA); however, players could not leave due to a bungle of some of the players’ visas.
Taking to social media, McKenzie, who is the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture said it was embarrassing and unfair.
“This South African Football Association travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff.
“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,” he said
According to SAFA, it is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible, ahead of the opening match of the global tournament against the hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.
“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,” the association said.
Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has stepped in to assist.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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