The administrative setback disrupted Bafana Bafana’s travel plans to Mexico and forced the team to postpone its charter flight by 24 hours.
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More than 20 members of the squad and technical staff were unable to travel as scheduled because of delays relating to United States visas, creating unwanted distractions ahead of the tournament.
ITUMELENG KHUNE QUESTIONS SAFA’S HANDLING OF BAFANA BAFANA’S FLIGHT
The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper says it is unrealistic to believe the situation had no effect on the players.
Speaking at a Carling Black Label FIFA World Cup ‘We Are The Champions’ launch, Khune argued that such incidents inevitably impact a player’s mindset.
“Incidents affect players mentally. You set your mind to doing something, and you program your mind to do something at that time. If you hear that the visas are not ready, it definitely plays in your mind,” Khune told journalists.
South Africa are using Pachuca in Mexico as their training base ahead of their opening Group A fixture against tournament co-hosts Mexico.
The delay reduced the amount of time available for the squad to settle in and adapt to local conditions, including the high altitude that will be a factor during the competition.
PLAYERS URGED TO STAY FOCUSED
SAFA president Danny Jordaan previously attempted to downplay the issue and insisted the disruption would not negatively affect the players.
Khune, however, feels the focus should now be on ensuring the squad remains united and concentrated on football matters.
“I just wish the captain and the rest of the senior players on the team would help the players to make sure they focus fully on the tournament and not focus on the bonuses and things like that.”
The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper also criticised the timing of the administrative problem, suggesting it should have been resolved long before the team’s departure date.
“I think SAFA should have solved these things long ago. For them to leave this thing to the last minute is not fair to the players, and it does affect players badly,” Khune added.
Khune remains one of the most experienced figures in South African football, having earned 91 caps for the national team during his international career.
With the World Cup now fast approaching, Bafana Bafana will hope the visa saga quickly becomes a thing of the past as attention turns fully to matters on the pitch and their bid to make an impact on the global stage.