Bafana Bafana midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena has opened up about the raw emotions that moved him to tears during the national anthem ahead of South Africa’s thrilling 1-1 draw against Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
Hugo Broos’ men fought back to earn a vital point in their second Group A match at the Atlanta Stadium, keeping their historic hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages alive.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the group, Bafana Bafana’s destiny remains in their own hands. A victory over South Korea in their final group clash on Wednesday, 24 June, at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico will likely secure their passage to the Round of 32, either as one of the top two teams in the group or as one of the eight best third-placed finishers.
Mokoena, who ultimately rescued the point by coolly converting a second-half penalty, went viral on social media before kick-off after cameras caught him shedding tears during Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
TEBOHO MOKOENA ON WHY HE SHED TEARS DURING THE ANTHEM
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match against Czechia, the Mamelodi Sundowns star revealed that the weight of the moment and memories of his family overwhelmed him.
A candid Mokoena said: “I was overwhelmed because I was thinking about my late grandfather. I know wherever he is, he is proud of me. I just felt his presence at that moment. And I know that if he were here, he would be so proud because he believed in me when no one else did. I was also thinking about my mom and my son; they are the people who believe in me. I was just so emotional because we are playing in the World Cup—South Africa against Czechia in front of a sold-out crowd.
For the Bethlehem-born midfielder, stepping onto the global stage represents the culmination of a lifelong journey.
“I never thought as a kid that I would be here,” Mokoena admitted. “Scoring that goal was the cherry on top. I was emotional. It is a dream come true; I am living the dream of that young kid from back then.”
While Mokoena’s goal keeps South Africa’s World Cup dreams alive, his heroics came at a personal cost. The midfielder is set to miss the crucial winner-takes-all clash against South Korea after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.
Mokoena was first cautioned during Bafana’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, meaning Hugo Broos will have to reconfigure his midfield for the group finale.
RELATED STORY: Bafana frustrate Czechia to keep World Cup hopes alive