According to News24, SAFA’s emergency committee met virtually on Sunday evening and there was an overwhelming view to remove Tseka with immediate effect.
He survived only because the committee feared that removing him at such short notice could create complications with FIFA.
“There was a strong view to say that Tseka must be removed immediately. The only reason he got on that plane was time,” a source with intimate knowledge of the committee discussions told News24.
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Blame was laid squarely at Tseka’s door. Sources suggest he may have waited until after Hugo Broos announced the squad in Pretoria on Wednesday before sending the final visa list to the US Embassy – leaving insufficient time for processing.
A travel agency allegedly brought in by Tseka to assist with the applications is also said to have contributed to the delays.
This is not Tseka’s first major blunder. In March 2025 he failed to alert team officials that Teboho Mokoena was suspended for accumulated yellow cards before fielding him against Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier.
FIFA later sanctioned SAFA – docking three qualifying points, declaring the match a 3-0 forfeit and fining the association CHF 10,000.
Despite that, Tseka retained his position – reportedly because his contract was linked to Broos’ deal.
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His contract expires at the end of the World Cup – making formal punishment virtually impossible.
“The committee agreed that he will be dealt with after the World Cup. But we all know his contract ends then. We can’t discipline him for this,” a source told revealed.
In a separate development, assistant coach Helman Mkhalele remained in South Africa after his visa was rejected. SAFA expressed hope the matter could be resolved to allow him to join the squad at a later stage.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
