CAF Champions League: Sundowns hit travel snag as Rabat landing delay leaves team stranded for hours in Johannesburg

Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated on the eve of their CAF Champions League assignment after their planned journey to Morocco was thrown into uncertainty by a prolonged administrative delay at OR Tambo International Airport.

The South African champions had arranged a private charter flight to take the squad and technical team directly to Rabat, where they are scheduled to face their hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in the return leg of the continental tie.

However, the departure was halted after landing clearance for Rabat had not yet been fully approved by aviation authorities, despite the necessary application having been submitted days earlier.

The delay was linked to outstanding approval processes involving the South African Civil Aviation Authority, which had not finalised the required permit for the destination airport in time for take-off. Without the green light, the aircraft was not authorised to proceed.

As a result, players and staff remained onboard the plane for roughly eight hours while the club worked with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue and secure the missing clearance.

The disruption not only held up travel plans but also affected Sundowns’ carefully structured preparation schedule ahead of a crucial continental fixture.

The club is expected to continue engaging the necessary authorities to ensure the team reaches Rabat once all approvals are in place, with efforts focused on limiting further disruption.

Sundowns carry a narrow 1-0 advantage into the second leg of the CAF Champions League tie.