Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
HERMAN GIBBS
2 June 2026 – As Bafana Bafana prepares to enter the global arena of football, they can breathe a sigh of relief with two members of their tour contingent staff set to join them in Mexico on Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, Danny Jordaan, the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), announced that Bafana’s assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, and the team’s head of security, Mdu Mbatha, have successfully secured their US visas.
This development could see the duo departing for Mexico as early as tonight, ensuring they reunite with the team as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify.
This announcement comes after Mkhalele and Mbatha were initially left behind when the national squad boarded a chartered flight to Mexico City on Monday. Visa complications had prevented their travel, a setback affecting the team’s logistics and international preparations for the prestigious tournament.
However, thanks to the swift intervention by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), coupled with support from the US Embassy, the pair have been granted permission to travel.
Jordaan expressed relief at the resolution of this troubling issue, “tating, “I can confirm that Helman and Mbatha have got their visas, and they will be leaving to join the team. Tomorrow, all of them will be “ogether.”
He further extended his gratitude to the US Embassy for their cooperation during this challenging time, acknowledging the vital role they played in ensuring that all players could assemble in Mexico ahead of their crucial friendly matches and tournament commitments.
The Bafana Bafana squad, now complete, is set to be based in Pachuca, approximately two hours from the bustling capital. They will play their final international friendly against Jamaica on Friday. This match serves as an essential warm-up before the team kicks off their Group A campaign against the hosts, Mexico, at the iconic Azteca Stadium on the 11th of June.
The recent visa hurdles initially delayed the team’s departure, as over half of the travelling party, including several players, were unable to obtain their visas in time for their originally planned weekend travel.
With these administrative challenges now resolved, the focus will shift to the on-field preparations as the national team aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup.