Simba Midfielder To Miss Orlando Pirates Clash Due To Visa Issues

Simba midfielder Bernard Morrison will miss CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal second-leg clash against Orlando Pirates after failing to secure visa for his team trip to South Africa.

The Ghanaian international played for Pirates where he spent two years with the team between 2016 and 2018.

However, he won’t be able to travel again to Johannesburg with the side after attempts to acquire visas for him proved unsuccessful.

The Tanzanian side will be facing the Buccaneers in the first leg of the quarterfinal at Mkapa Stadium on April 17 with the return leg earmarked for Orlando Stadium on April 24.

“We contacted the people of the South African Immigration Authority to ask for permission and Visa to enter with Bernard [Morrison], but they told us their rules and if a person breaks them, they will not be able to enter again,” CEO of Simba, Barbara Gonzalez, said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“They have told us due to his previous mistake while in the country; authorities are not ready to let him go there according to the rules, so it is now official that Morrison will not travel with the rest of squad members to South Africa.

“We have communicated the same to our technical bench and we want them to prepare the team knowing Morrison will not be able to travel for the return leg. However, he will be ready and available for the first leg meeting at home.”

Morrison once found on the wrong side of the law  in South Africa after it was alleged he stole a car and money from a football agent.

Simba finished the group stages as runners-up of Group D while Pirates finished on top of their group.