“Highly Stressful”: Broos On Visa Nightmare

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admitted that a nerve-wracking visa standoff derailed the squad’s original Sunday travel plans, creating an incredibly tense environment just 10 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

The national team finally secured their travel documentation and boarded a flight to Mexico on Monday. South Africa will famously square off against the co-hosts in the global tournament’s opening match on 11 June.

Bafana Bafana were scheduled to depart on Sunday but faced an administrative roadblock when immigration authorities failed to issue visas for key personnel on time.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie later revealed that the outstanding documents belonged to Broos’s assistant coach, the team doctor, the head of security, and a performance analyst.

The administrative blunder drew fierce political condemnation. Minister McKenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe, publicly lambasted the South African Football Association (SAFA), insisting that officials who “slept on duty” must face severe professional consequences.

“The past few days have really been stressful with all the problems we had,” Broos confessed as the squad prepared for the grueling journey to North America on Monday.

“But those logistical issues are behind us now, and our focus is on what lies ahead.”

A striking moment of national sporting unity unfolded at OR Tambo International Airport as Banyana Banyana crossed paths with Bafana Bafana.

While the men’s team flew west for the World Cup, Banyana Banyana departed east for Asia to contest a high-profile friendly against Japan on 9 June as part of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) preparations.

Before Bafana Bafana walks out at the iconic Estadio Azteca, they have one final tactical hurdle. Following Friday’s frustrating 0-0 draw against a defensive Nicaragua side at Orlando Amstel Arena, South Africa will play a final warm-up match against Jamaica on 5 June.

The Reggae Boyz narrowly missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, suffering a heartbreaking defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the inter-continental playoffs.

Broos, who famously reached the 1986 World Cup semifinals as a player for Belgium, believes the 74th-ranked Jamaicans will offer a vastly superior physical and tactical test.

“I’m happy with Jamaica; they are ranked 74th in the world,” said Broos.

“It will be a good opponent for us. It is our final test before the opening game, so I’m very happy.”