Mokoena Speaks Out: Family Targeted Amid South Africa Bafana Suspension Chaos
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has opened up for the first time about the emotional turmoil he endured during the yellow card controversy that nearly cost Bafana Bafana their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 28-year-old found himself at the centre of a storm earlier this year when he played in South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March, despite being ineligible after accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches.
Neither Mokoena, team manager Vincent Tseka, nor the South African Football Association (SAFA) realised the suspension, leading to a costly administrative blunder. FIFA subsequently sanctioned South Africa by deducting three points — a punishment that temporarily jeopardised their qualification hopes and dropped them to second place in Group C.
That setback meant Hugo Broos’ men faced a tense final round of qualifiers, relying not only on a win over Rwanda but also on Nigeria defeating group leaders Benin. Both results went their way, allowing Bafana Bafana to reclaim top spot and book their ticket to the World Cup.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Mokoena admitted the incident took a heavy emotional toll on him and his loved ones.
“It’s been the toughest six months of my career,” Mokoena said in a conversation with artist Arthur Mafokate. “The backlash I received — and my family too — was very hard. People were blaming me for the yellow cards, but I couldn’t speak about it. I was going through a lot; I was not okay.”
Now, with South Africa’s qualification secured, Mokoena says he feels a sense of relief and gratitude.
“I’m very happy we made it. It was an emotional day — I could feel it that Bafana would beat Rwanda. We must give credit to the coach, Hugo Broos, who remained calm the whole week after we drew against Zimbabwe. I’m just happy everything ended well.”