SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has confirmed that FIFA has launched an investigation into the Teboho Mokoena saga, a matter that could jeopardise Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfield maestro Mokoena has been at the centre of a controversy after featuring in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier despite being ineligible due to a suspension.
The issue stems from a FIFA World Cup qualifier where Mokoena started in the 2-0 victory against Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, despite being ineligible due to a suspension from two accumulated yellow cards. As a result, FIFA is now investigating the matter, and Bafana Bafana could be docked the three points from the win, with the result potentially being overturned to a 3-0 loss for South Africa.
Currently, Hugo Broos’s troops are at the top of their group with 17 points from eight matches. However, if FIFA were to dock the three points, they would be level with second-placed Benin, who have 14 points.
To secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Bafana Bafana will need to earn maximum points from their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. A strong performance in these games is crucial to ensure their place in the tournament, regardless of FIFA’s final decision.
WHAT SAFA SAID ABOUT FIFA INVESTIGATION ABOUT TEBOHO MOKOENA’S SAGA
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has confirmed that FIFA is investigating the matter and revealed that, as an association, they are not worrying about anything; they are focusing on Bafana getting six points in the next international break in October.
“We’ve received communication from FIFA about the launching of the investigation into the Lesotho match and fielding of Teboho Mokoena,” Monyepao said at SafeHub in Jabulani, Soweto, at the Bafana announcement of Shield as their new sponsor.
“We are not really worrying about that. I think our focus is on making sure that Bafana get maximum points in October.
“Whatever happens, whether there’s docking of points or whatever you are saying out there, if we get six points in October, nothing else is going to matter. So it’s all about Bafana getting to the USA, Mexico, and Canada World Cup.”
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