Bafana Bafana World Cup Dream in Jeopardy Over Mokoena Suspension
Bafana Bafana head into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in Bloemfontein under a cloud of controversy. South Africa top Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda, and aim to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
The clash at Toyota Stadium has been overshadowed by Lesotho’s complaints about Teboho Mokoena. In the 2-0 win at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this year, the midfielder featured despite carrying two yellow cards. Lesotho argue he was ineligible and warn South Africa risk losing points if FIFA enforces its rules.
Lesotho Vow to Protest
Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi made his stance clear. On the eve of the match, he warned that Lesotho would play under protest if Mokoena appeared.
“Yes, we are going to protest,” Mohapi told reporters. “Teboho should start serving his suspension. Don’t prolong it. Or else, it will be an animal farm, and we don’t want that.”
According to Mohapi, FIFA’s disciplinary code is unambiguous: if an ineligible player features, the match is forfeited 3-0. He insisted Mokoena never sat out against Lesotho, which should have been the suspension match. “If we allow people to pick and choose where they want to serve suspensions, football will go into disarray,” he added.
Broos Snaps at Press Conference
Head coach Hugo Broos bristled when asked about the threats. The Belgian snapped at reporters:
“Before you go any further, I am not used to commenting on nonsense, so I will not start today.”
Instead of engaging in the row, Broos has stayed focused on qualification. His message remains simple: win the game and move closer to securing a World Cup place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
What’s at Stake for South Africa
The dispute could carry major consequences. Should FIFA award Lesotho a 3-0 victory, South Africa would lose three points. That outcome would force them to win all remaining matches to guarantee qualification.
Despite the risks, Bafana remain well placed in Group C. Strong squad depth and good form give them the edge, although an administrative ruling could undo their progress.
A Test of Discipline On and Off the Pitch
This saga shows that football requires discipline off the pitch as much as on it. Administrative errors threaten to overshadow South Africa’s control in matches.
Lesotho, however, demand equal treatment. Their officials argue that smaller nations deserve the same enforcement of FIFA rules as heavyweights like Nigeria or South Africa.
For Bafana fans, the takeaway is clear: the team must win games and avoid distractions that could derail their World Cup dream.
Check also: Bafana Bafana Squad Named for World Cup Qualifiers Against Lesotho and Nigeria
South Africa are favourites against Lesotho, but the off-field storm could shape their road to 2026. Will FIFA enforce its laws, or will Broos’ men keep their focus on football?
What do you think, is Lesotho right to push for action, or is this nothing more than a sideshow in Bafana’s World Cup journey?
