Visa hitch Forces Diables Noirs to Postpone South Africa Flight

Diables Noirs were Thursday forced to postpone their trip to South Africa due to severe challenges in acquiring documentation for their travelling contingent.

Noirs , who are Congo’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, were expected to jet out on Thursday for Sunday’s return match against Orlando Pireates, but had to cancel this plan owing to hitch in securing the crucial travelling documents that include visas and work permits.

Noirs officials pitched camp at the South African visa centre in Brazzaville pleading the case of several key players who ho were yet to get entry permits to South Africa.

In a statement, the Congolese giants confirmed of the last minute bottle-neck indicating that only half of their travelling delegation got their visa.

“We are in bad shape making it difficult for the team to fly to South Africa for the CAF Confederations Cup return leg match planned for 24th October 2021. We have done all within our means to get travel documents right in good time but things are not working as scheduled. Thus our travel to Johannesburg  is postponed, ” the club said in a statement.

Noirs was scheduled to touch down the OR Tambo Airport at midnight ahead of the return match, which is scheduled for Sunday  at the  Orlando Stadium in the Johannesburg  starting 21h30.

They had a training session early Thursday morning at Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, which was attended by all the players and coaches.

Should they finish the job in Johannesburg, Noirs will be among 16 teams that will make to the CAF Confederation Cup playoffs.