Visa Drama: South Africa Heads to World Cup Sans Assistant Coach

South Africa's national football team has embarked on their World Cup journey, departing for their training base in Pachuca, Mexico. However, they did so without assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, who was unable to secure a U.S. visa, delaying the team's departure initially scheduled for Sunday.

The visa denial for Mkhalele, a seasoned former winger, puzzled the South African Football Association (SAFA), with President Danny Jordaan expressing frustration over the lack of explanation from the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, Coach Hugo Broos was relieved that the rest of the squad could focus on upcoming matches.

South Africa, competing in Group A, aims to surpass their previous World Cup performances as they prepare to face Mexico in the opening match. Additionally, the team will take on Jamaica in a friendly and face the Czech Republic and South Korea in the group stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)