DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 3 -- TANZANIAS national cross-country athletics team is scheduled to depart on Tuesday for the United States ahead of the World Cross Country Championship that will commence on January 10th in Tallahassee, Florida.

The team will compete without a coach or team officials after all accompanying leaders failed to secure United States entry visas, a development that has raised concern within the local athletics community.

Tanzania Athletics Federation President Roghat John confirmed that visas were issued to only nine athletes, while the rest of the delegation, including head coach Andrew Panga, was denied clearance.

“To facilitate the trip, Tanzania Athletics Federation was required to deposit a security bond of ...