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South Africa World Cup squad depart for Mexico following visa delay / Photo: © AFP/File
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South Africa World Cup squad depart for Mexico following visa delay
World Cup-bound South Africa departed for Mexico on Monday, a day later than planned after visa delays that were heavily criticised at home, including by the government.
The squad were scheduled to leave on Sunday but were held back at the last minute after it was discovered that four members of the set-up did not have visas, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said.
The team flew out on a chartered flight, an airport official said. They were headed to a training camp ahead of their June 11 match against Mexico in the opening game of the tournament.
"While visa delays resulted in the team losing a valuable day in its travel and preparation schedule, SAFA is satisfied that the matter has now been substantially resolved and that the team's World Cup plans remain firmly on course," the association said.
"SAFA apologises to the nation for these unexpected travel delays."
The delay was criticised with deputy minister of sports Peace Mabe telling domestic broadcaster eNCA it was "shocking and embarrassing".
"This can also impact negatively in the minds and the spirits of the players. Heads must definitely roll," she said.
Popularly known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa are in Group A with Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea.
They were held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua in a warm-up match in Soweto on Friday and are scheduled to play Jamaica in another friendly on June 5.
Z.Tomaszewski--GL
