Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has revealed why he dedicated his 50th Bafana Bafana cap to Percy Tau, following Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 victory over Zambia in an international friendly in Gqeberha on Saturday afternoon.
Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole were on the scoresheet to earn Bafana a win against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Sipho ‘MasterChef’ Mbule provided two assists and walked away with the Man of the Match accolade.
Meanwhile, Sabobo Banda scored the consolation goal for the neighbours, Zambia, in stoppage time of the encounter.
Mokoena played for only 45 minutes in this game as he was replaced by Orlando Pirates star Thalente Mbatha at the start of the second half.
The friendly served as a crucial part of Hugo Broos’ preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournament, scheduled to be staged in Morocco starting on December 21, 2025.
Mokoena’s national team journey began in July 2017. Under the tutelage of Stuart Baxter, the then 20-year-old midfielder made his debut in a CHAN qualifier, helping South Africa secure a 2-0 away victory against Botswana.
‘I HAVE TO GIVE HIM HIS FLOWERS’: TEBOHO MOKOENA ON PERCY TAU
Mokoena explained his dedication by stating he had to credit Tau for the milestone, citing that the former Al Ahly and English Premier League forward has served as a mentor since his very first national team call-up, showing him ‘all the ropes’ of international football.
“I just want to give credit to Percy Tau because I think, in my first cap, he was around,” said Mokoena in a post-match interview on SABC Sport.
“He was the one who told me that my time would come, but unfortunately, he is not here today. However, I have to give him his flowers for always being there for me.
“I also want to thank coach Hugo Broos because I started to be a regular under his leadership. I’m very grateful, and I’m thankful for the support and for everyone who sent me messages before the game and during the week.”
In addition, Broos also had his say about Mokoena’s 50th cap for Bafana. “I congratulate him, certainly. It is not everyone who earns 50 caps, and now he will have even more [in the future]. Teboho Mokoena has become one of the most important players on the South African national team.”
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