Broos relieved as Bafana finally jet off to Mexico

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, says he is relieved after the team finally left Johannesburg on a chartered flight to Mexico on Monday afternoon, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Belgian admitted that the past few days have been stressful, uncertainty over traveling arrangements and visa delays affecting more than half of the team.

Bafana were meant to travel on Sunday, but only left 24 hours later.

“Now we are very happy, and everybody is happy that we can go to Mexico. The past days have been a little bit stressful with all the problems we had, but again, those problems are behind us now and we can focus on what’s coming,” said Broos.

“Yes, these 10 days will be going very fast, once we get there we will start working, focusing on the first game against Mexico, so time will pass very quickly.

“So it’s 10 days, but it’s short and, again, I think everybody is looking forward to play the game and to start the World Cup.” he added.

However, assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele and the team’s head of security Mdu Mbatha, were left behind and will join the squad at a later stage.

Bags packed. Tickets printed. World Cup dreams loading… ⏳✈️ The team is off to our base camp in Mexico! What is your ultimate message of support for the players before they land? 🇿🇦⚽️💚💛#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbankza @10betza… pic.twitter.com/N080T1hFPS

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 1, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari