Bafana Bafana’s planned departure for the World Cup in Mexico has been delayed due to administrative challenges, primarily involving visa approvals.The South African Football Association (Safa) was set to send the squad on a chartered flight on Sunday, but several players and technical staff have yet to receive visas from the US embassy.An emergency Safa meeting was convened to address the matter.The delay stems from late visa applications, reportedly submitted only shortly before the squad was announced last week.Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie has demanded a report and accountability for what he called a “mess”.The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) is liaising with the US embassy to expedite the visas.Most Mamelodi Sundowns players, except Khulumani Ndamane, already have active visas from previous participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the US.

Meanwhile, Bafana held a send-off event with sponsor Castle at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, where thousands of fans attended, expecting the team to depart on schedule.The delay has caused frustration among supporters and highlights ongoing organisational challenges within Safa.