Bafana Visa delays finally resolved as Mkhalele and Mbatha head to Mexico

Jordaan says the duo could leave for Mexico as early as tonight to join the rest of the squad as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue.

Mkhalele and Mbatha were left behind on Monday when the team boarded a chartered flight to Mexico City after their visas were initially denied.

However, the pair have since been issued with visas following intervention from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as well as assistance from the US Embassy.

READ: Danny Jordaan places faith in three-man committee to steer Bafana through World Cup admin hurdles

Their departure effectively brings to an end the administrative challenges that have disrupted Bafana Bafana’s World Cup preparations over the past few days.

The team had initially been scheduled to travel to Mexico over the weekend but postponed their departure until Monday after more than half of the travelling party, including several players, had not received their visas in time.

“I can confirm that Helman and Mbatha have got their Visas, and they will be leaving to join the team. Tomorrow, all of them will be together.

“I would also like to thank the US Embassy for their cooperation and for their support in ensuring that all of our players are together now. I just want to extend my gratitude and my thanks to all the staff at the American Embassy,” Jordaan confirmed.

Bafana Bafana are based in Pachuca, approximately two hours from Mexico City, and will play their final international friendly against Jamaica on 5 June before opening their Group A campaign against hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on 11 June.