African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called for Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena to be reprimanded after the player acknowledged the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) during the national team’s homecoming.
The incident took place at OR Tambo International Airport, where Bafana captain Ronwen Williams addressed supporters and thanked them for backing the team throughout their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Williams then handed the microphone to Mokoena, who also addressed the supporters.
“Are you guys okay? I wanted to thank you for supporting us. I know it’s been a long time since we qualified for the World Cup. EFF, I see you,” Mokoena said.
His brief acknowledgement drew laughter from several dignitaries in attendance, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Mbalula, however, criticised the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, saying national team platforms should not be used for political messaging.
“Disappointed with Mokoena and SAFA. He must be reprimanded. Unbelievable. Don’t use our jersey to promote EFF. Do it at your leisure time,” Mbalula posted on X.
Teboho Mokoena hails EFF, Mbalula attacks
The comments sparked a lively debate on social media, with many users defending the 28-year-old star.
One user, @ronaldmakhuvs, wrote: “You have a problem, Fikile. So because you’re having an argument with Malema now you even attack Mokoena. For reasons like this, South Africans are voting your nonsense out of power. I knew the ANC no longer had candidates the minute you were made SG.”
Another user, @edgarmokoena, argued that Mokoena had done nothing wrong.
“Nothing wrong was done there. Teboho Mokoena saw EFF supporters who were there in numbers to support the national team.
“You need to channel your energy into asking Danny Jordaan to step down. The national team should not be used to build an empire.”
Others felt Teboho Mokoena should have kept politics separate from football.
Gayton McKenzie also weighed in on the discussion, saying: “Political affiliation should have no place in our sport. Many are rightfully upset about Mokoena acknowledging the Economic Freedom Fighters. The EFF came out in numbers. I greeted them publicly as well. The player intended no malice. The atmosphere was one of unity.”
Meanwhile, @TebogoDitshego added: “Indeed, that was unprofessional. It’s not just about that one event but the pattern of promoting his personal political preferences while on national duty. The players need media training, social media training, and diplomatic etiquette and protocol training.”
This was not the first time Teboho Mokoena thanked EFF in public. In 2024, he called EFF leader Julius Malema ‘his president’ following the team’s third place at the 2023 AFCON.