This comes as their scheduled flight from Doha, Qatar, to OR Tambo in Johannesburg was cancelled at the last minute.

The repatriation flight to South Africa was scheduled to take off from Doha on Tuesday morning at 10:00.

The flight full of frustrated South Africans took to the runway and was ready for take-off, however, at the last moment the flight was denied by South Africa.

A Bloemfontein local had been working in Qatar for the last few years and who wishes to remain anonymous, told OFM Sport that they are stranded for the next few days.

He further added that numerous South Africans on the flight were in Doha en route home from Tokyo and had already been traveling for two days. He also confirmed that they are not allowed to access their luggage, while all the restaurants and lounges are closed and off-limits.

Marx, who had been playing rugby for the Shining Arcs in the Japanese Top League is also a passenger that was meant to fly home to South Africa.

Marx had been waiting to repatriate to South Africa for quite some time after Japan went into lockdown in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier on Tuesday, the former Toyota Cheetahs flanker, Tier Schoeman, and his wife, Kendall, arrived back in South Africa. Schoeman had also been playing in the Top League, but for the Honda Heat.

The passengers currently stuck in Doha are expected to depart for South Africa on 7 May, but up until then, they have to remain at the airport.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport