TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has opened up on Khulumani Ndamane not having a passport, which meant the defender could not be part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos revealed that the talented Ndamane was going to be part of the squad for the qualifiers, but could not be included because he does not have a passport. As a result, Mamelodi Sundowns' experienced defender Grant Kekana was included in the squad for the crucial qualifiers.
READ: Broos Reveals He Won't Call-Up Sundowns Players
Sukazi revealed to the Siya crew that he caught wind of the fact that the player does not have a passport on Thursday, when Broos announced the squad.
"I caught wind of it yesterday (Thursday). It's not an issue and probably it's being blown out of proportion. The fact of the matter is that Ndamane's passport will be resolved by Monday or Tuesday latest. We have already started the necessary processes," Sukazi said to the Siya crew.
"My real point is that we should remember that we are in our own country. As South Africans, we own the country. We've got government of the country, we've got ministers. Ndamane being called to the national team is no longer a personal matter to him or the club. It's a matter of national interest and therefore in our own country we should be able to resolve matters of national interest. This matter cannot be presented as though it's a disaster or a calamity we cannot resolve. His passport will be resolved on Monday and then it's no longer an issue."
The Siya crew asked Sukazi why the player did not have a passport, even after he was included in the preliminary squad, and admits the 20-year-old may have taken it for granted.
READ: Broos: 'We Are Rather', No Passport! Player Misses Out
"I guess I am not the one to answer that question. Probably it's him personally, but all I can say is that it is quite common for many South Africans not to have a passport, not only him.
"When they start playing professionally, it comes recommended (to have one), more especially at TS Galaxy. We are a club that travels internationally. A passport is of critical importance, such that to us it's an obvious matter that players should have a passport. But then, of course, the kid took it for granted probably and did not inform us that he does not have a passport and it coincided with a time where we did not need to travel internationally. It did not occur to any of us."
