How Teboho Mokoena’s Ineligibility Threatens Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Campaign
Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena’s ineligible appearance against Lesotho. South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory over Likuena at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium five months ago, but that win may yet be overturned.
Mokoena, a key figure in Hugo Broos’ midfield, should not have played in that qualifier. Having already picked up two yellow cards in earlier matches against Zimbabwe and Benin, he was automatically suspended. By fielding him, Bafana may have handed their rivals an unexpected lifeline.
FIFA Regulations Put Bafana in Trouble
FIFA’s disciplinary code is clear: if a team fields a player who is not eligible, whether due to suspension, nationality issues, or registration errors, the match is automatically forfeited. The default ruling is a 3-0 defeat, unless the original result was even worse.
Initially, Bafana appeared safe because Lesotho did not lodge a complaint. However, FIFA’s regulations emphasise automatic enforcement, not conditional punishment, meaning South Africa could still be stripped of the three points.
This uncertainty leaves Bafana Bafana vulnerable in Group C, where every point matters in the race for World Cup qualification.
Also read: Hugo Broos Labels Mbekezeli Mbokazi Bafana Bafana’s Next Big Star
Nigeria and Benin Turn Up the Heat
Rivals Nigeria and Benin have seized on the Mokoena saga, urging FIFA to act decisively. Should South Africa be docked points, Lesotho would be awarded a 3-0 win, which could dramatically reshape the standings. That scenario would strengthen Nigeria’s chances and propel Lesotho into second place.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr has been vocal about his frustrations with the delay. Having previously seen Nigeria sanctioned in 2018 for fielding Shehu Abdullahi against Algeria, Rohr insists consistency is needed.
“It’s very strange we still don’t know the situation,” he told Reuters. “Normally, South Africa should lose the three points. Nobody understands why FIFA has not taken a decision before these matches.”
Broos Defends His Team
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged the mistake but insists the matter should have ended when Lesotho chose not to file a protest.
“We know Teboho Mokoena shouldn’t have played, but Lesotho didn’t challenge it,” Broos explained. “It had nothing to do with Nigeria or Benin. FIFA should resist the pressure from other teams and focus on what happened on the pitch.”
Broos has repeatedly urged his players to block out the noise and focus on their performances in the upcoming qualifiers, which could determine whether the nation reaches the global stage for the first time since hosting in 2010.
Also read: Hugo Broos Defends Decision to Exclude Kaizer Chiefs Players from Bafana Squad
Two Defining Fixtures Ahead
Bafana’s immediate test is a rematch against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday, followed by a massive clash against Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday night. Sitting on 13 points, South Africa cannot afford any slip-ups.
Should FIFA dock the earlier victory, the group dynamics would change drastically, leaving Bafana chasing instead of leading. For now, though, the focus is on securing six points from their next two games to keep qualification hopes alive.
Qualification Dream Hangs in the Balance
The Mokoena case has highlighted how even the smallest administrative oversight can carry heavy consequences in World Cup qualifiers. South Africa’s position at the top of Group C is under threat both on the pitch and in FIFA’s disciplinary corridors.
Whether Bafana Bafana qualify may come down not only to their results against Lesotho and Nigeria but also to a boardroom ruling that could erase one of their hard-earned victories. For supporters, the message is clear: the road to the World Cup has never felt more uncertain.
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