South Africa made to look like fools after World Cup visa issues, says minister

The country's football association says it is working to resolve the problems that have delayed the team's departure to Mexico. South Africa made to look like fools after World Cup visa issues, says minister Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. South Africa's final home friendly on Friday ended in a 0-0 draw against Nicaragua A South Africa player holds his arms out as he tries to stop a Nicaraguan player from coming up from behind him. South Africa's sports minister has demanded an explanation after the country's football team was delayed travelling to Mexico ahead of the World Cup due to visa issues. The South African Football Association (Safa) admitted the team had "experienced challenges regarding Visas for some players and officials" but did not give further details. National broadcaster SABC described what happened as an "administrative bungle". The South African Football Association (Safa) admitted the team had "experienced challenges regarding Visas for some players and officials" but did not give further details. National broadcaster SABC described what happened as an "administrative bungle". In response, sports minister Gayton McKenzie said he had told Safa: "I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess." "We are being made to look like fools," he added on X. The team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, are due to face Jamaica in a friendly in Mexico on Friday. They will then play in the World Cup opening match against Mexico, which is co-hosting the competition alongside the US and Canada, on 11 June. "This Safa travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff," McKenzie also wrote on X. A brief statement from Safa said it was "working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match". According to South African news site TimesLive, efforts were being made to get the team US visas to allow the team to travel either later on Sunday or on Monday. The Bafana Bafana squad and staff need permission to enter the US as they play their second World Cup game against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. South Africa is one of 10 African nations taking part in the expanded 48-team World Cup. The game against Jamaica will be Bafana Bafana's last chance to get ready for the tournament, which they last appeared at when South Africa hosted the finals in 2010. Their final home match on Friday - a 0-0 draw against Nicaragua that included a missed South African penalty - was described in some reports as "disappointing" and extended their winless run to four games. Burnley striker Foster named in South Africa squad Everything you need to know about the World Cup A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica South Africa's Madlanga Commission hears about Brazilian butt lift bribe denials and alleged drug heists. Burnley striker Lyle Foster is named in South Africa's World Cup squad as the country prepare to play in the tournament finals for the first time since they hosted the 2010 competition. It follows recent protests that have led to fears there could be a resurgence in xenophobic violence. The medical charity's comments come as the head of the World Health Organization visits the region worst-hit by the virus outbreak. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's party is expected to dominate the election as conflicts overshadow the vote. Same-sex acts are punishable by jail terms under Ghana's new bill targeting those identifying as gay, lesbian or transgender. A 50-bed isolation unit in Kenya for US citizens was due to open on Friday, a US official said. Abula, a Nigerian sport inspired by the Yoruba concept of a balanced meal, aims to grow from a local pastime into an internationally recognised game.