In the wake of Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SAFA president Danny Jordaan has addressed the Teboho Mokoena yellow card saga and revealed what’s next.
South Africa secured the ticket to the World Cup next year after finishing at the top of Group C of the qualifiers. Bafana closed out the qualifiers with an impressive 3-0 victory over Rwanda, moving to 18 points after 10 matches. Hugo Broos’ charges beat Rwanda with goals from Orlando Pirates trio Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa.
The 2023 AFCON bronze medalists received a big favour from rivals Nigeria, who defeated Benin, who were in pole position to qualify for the World Cup coming into the last round of the qualifiers.
Before sealing the spot as the global showpiece for the first time since 2002, Bafana faced uncertainty in their qualification campaign. They were docked three points by FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite the player being suspended due to the accumulation of two yellow cards.
The administrative error has caused a big outcry from most South Africans, who have called for harsh consequences for those responsible.
‘THE TEBOHO MOKOENA MATTER IS CLOSED’ – DANNY JORDAAN
SAFA has seemingly moved on from the saga, and they are unlikely to take further action on the error that could have cost Bafana a place in the World Cup.
Danny Jordaan, the president of SAFA, broke his silence on the Mokoena saga, revealing that the association has moved on and will not dwell on the past.
“We are going to the World Cup. So the matter is closed, we are not interested in the matter, we’re going to the World Cup, we’ve qualified,” Jordaan said.
“So we’re not going to dwell on what is behind us because what is in front of us is the World Cup, African Cup of Nations [AFCON].
“The coach [Hugo Broos] must have told you that we are now focusing on the next point, which is the African Cup of Nations in Morocco and then the World Cup.”
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