Bafana Bafana still face Fifa scrutiny as Mokoena eligibility blunder unfolds

AS the Teboho Mokoena saga continues to unravel, palpable tension has engulfed Bafana Bafana, whose 2026 World Cup qualifying dreams could be scuppered due to the team's administration falling foul of the rules.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The saga has captivated South African football fans, igniting a storm of controversy and uncertainty at a time when national pride is at stake.

Bafana Bafana have been playing with the fervour of champions, striving for glory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the unfolding drama raises critical questions about the team's regulatory compliance.

Their recent performances have drawn cheers echoing around stadiums nationwide as supporters rally behind them.

Yet, the euphoria generated on the field is tarnished by troubling news.

The Mokoena issue has cast a shadow over the squad, introducing a layer of anxiety in what has otherwise been a largely festive pursuit.

At the heart of the matter is the fact that Mokoena accumulated two yellow cards in matches against Benin (18 November 2023) and Zimbabwe (11 June 2024) before playing in the subsequent match against Lesotho (25 March 2025).