Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has pulled no punches in his view of the SA Football Association [SAFA], labelling the recent Bafana Bafana travel and visa administrative blunder as “embarrassing” and “grossly unfair.”
This comes after Bafana’s scheduled departure to Mexico was hit by a major setback on Sunday morning after their chartered flight was grounded.
The delay stems from ongoing visa complications and administrative hurdles affecting several players in the squad.
The delay left players and technical staff stranded, disrupting Hugo Broos’ carefully laid out plans and sparking widespread outrage among South African football fans.
Taking to social media to express his disappointment, Minister McKenzie demanded immediate accountability from the football governing body, stating that the nation cannot be subjected to such humiliation on the international stage.
IT’S EMBARRASSING AND GROSSLY UNFAIR TOWARDS PLAYERS AND COACHING STAFF: GAYTON MCKENZIE
McKenzie did not hold back, revealing that he has already contacted SAFA leadership about the matter and said action needs to be taken.
“This SAFA travel and visa debacle is embarrassing and grossly unfair towards the players and coaching staff,” McKenzie wrote.
“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.”
Bafana are drawn in Group A, with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic on the world stage. The competition will run from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
This tournament will make history as the first edition to feature an expanded 48 national teams.
On Friday, Broos’ men locked horns with Nicaragua in a friendly tie at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The game ended with a 0-0 scoreline.
Meanwhile, Bafana will play their last friendly match against Jamaica. This game will take place on Friday, 5 June. This is part of their final 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.
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