Football: South Africa goes to the World Cup one day later after visa problems

Bafana Bafana, who will play the opening game of the World Cup against co-hosts Mexico on June 11th at the Aztec Stadium, actually wanted to leave Johannesburg on Sunday.

Emergency meeting and harsh criticism

“Safa’s failure is not only a blow to the morale of the team, but also an embarrassment to the country,” wrote TimesLive: “Safa owes the nation an explanation and, more importantly, swift and decisive action to ensure that those responsible are held to account.” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie had previously called for consequences.

In a statement, the association apologized “to the nation for these unexpected travel delays.” In addition, a three-person commission was put together at the emergency meeting to take care of logistical or administrative matters during the World Cup, which is taking place in Mexico, the USA and Canada.

Coach Hugo Broos wanted to travel to Mexico City with the team at least ten days before the opening game on Thursday next week in order to continue getting used to the mountain air. The South Africans have their World Cup camp in Pachuca at around 2,400 meters above sea level, the Aztec Stadium is around 2,200 meters above sea level – and Johannesburg over 1,700.