The national team was originally scheduled to leave for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 16 years on Sunday. Yet another embarrassing administrative blunder by the South African Football Association (SAFA) left several members of the travelling party without the necessary visas.

Unfortunately for Bafana Bafana, the spotlight has once again fallen on team manager Vincent Tseka - the same official at the centre of the infamous Tebogo Mokoena saga during the qualifiers. Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho despite being ineligible to play, an oversight that ultimately saw South Africa docked points and forced to navigate the remainder of the qualifying campaign with uncertainty hanging over them.

Tebogo Mokoena - Morgan Piek

That incident was not the only administrative mishap. Last year, Bafana's hotel booking ahead of an international friendly against Zambia in Johannesburg was cancelled, creating a domino effect that forced the team to make last-minute changes to their training arrangements.

The latest setback came on Sunday when visa issues delayed the team's departure. According to reports, visa applications were only submitted after coach Hugo Broos announced his final 26-man squad on 27 May. An emergency meeting was convened on Sunday night, with Broos reportedly stepping in to defend Tseka amid growing calls for accountability.

In response to the situation, SAFA established a three-member organising committee to oversee the team's administrative affairs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ironically, Tseka was appointed as one of the committee members, alongside Head of Delegation David Molwantwa and SAFA Finance Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Sibam.

Vincent Tseka - X

By Monday night, the squad had finally boarded their flight at OR Tambo International Airport, but assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and head of security Mdu Mbatha were still unable to travel because of unresolved visa issues.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan was on hand at the airport and said efforts were continuing to secure the necessary documentation so that both officials could join the team in Mexico.

“We still need one passport from the Americans,” said Jordaan.

“Of course, the visa was refused, but no reasons were provided. It is very difficult to deal with a process when you are not given information and there is no obligation to provide it.

“We hope that matter will be resolved and that all of our people will be able to travel.

“All of the players are there, and 99% of the technical staff are on the plane. The focus now shifts to the match against Jamaica on 5 June and then the game against Mexico on 11 June, which marks the opening of the World Cup.

“We have told Hugo Broos and the players that we wish them all the best.

Helman Mkhalele and Hugo Broos - Morgan Piek

“Hugo Broos is there, but we still need clarity on certain issues. At the moment, we are operating in the dark, but we remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved.”

For now, the administrative chaos has been left behind in Johannesburg, but questions remain over how another avoidable off-field controversy managed to overshadow one of the most significant moments in South African football in recent years.

Bafana Bafana will face Mexico on 11 June at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kick-off is at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport