Bafana Bafana squad departs for Mexico, uncertainty for support staff

Thanks to government intervention, through the Department of International Relations as well as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the issues were expeditiously resolved after fewer than 10 players obtained their US travel documents.  

By last night, all the players were approved for travel, and Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe hopes the debacle has not affected the players' spirits. 

"This can really dampen their spirits, it can demoralise them because they would not understand, so I want to say them, you are still the chosen ones," said Mabe.

"You are going, you are going to represent us, do not despair, it is just a technical error that will be resolved, hopefully, in less than 72 hours."

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However, five members of the technical team, including assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi, assistant performance analyst Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama, and head of security Mdu Mbatha still await their visas. 

Former Bafana midfielder Lance Davids says such things are totally avoidable going to a big tournament like the World Cup. 

"I've been asked this all morning, we don't know what's happening behind the scenes but I have no doubt the players are going to be focused, professional and do what they need to while waiting to board the plane," said Davids.

"Of course, it's frustrating, these kinds of small issues. Everyone is saying, who is there to be blamed, but we don't know if it's the Embassies, is it internally or externally.

"Of course, it's not the issues that you would like one to have before you go to a big tournament like this."