After doing the work on the pitch to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SAFA’s carelessness seems to have finally caught up to them as Bafana Bafana find themselves in the danger zone after FIFA docked 3 points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena.
For the first time in what feels like forever, Bafana Bafana fans were among one of the more confident nations heading into the African leg of the World Cup Qualifiers, as they were comfortably above Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in Group C. Those who have followed Mzansi’s national team are aware of the tumultuous journey it has been to get to these glory days, where calculating the amount of points needed, as well how badly another team needs to lose for Bafana to qualify had become a rite of passage.
This year was different; coach Hugo Broos and his team have put together something quite special and have managed to get the team, as well as the fans, to buy into the system. This has given new life to Mzansi’s football atmosphere and reignited the infectious passion that once dominated.
Heading into the last few qualifying matches, Bafana’s longstanding confidence has quickly turned into panic following FIFA’s ruling to dock 3 points from the team’s points, taking them from a confident 17 points to a shaky 14, and placing them in danger of not qualifying as Benin takes the lead due to goal difference.
Furthermore, the South African Football Association has also been ordered to pay a fine of R218 200 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana loses 3 points for fielding an ineligible Player, Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
FIFA also fined the South African Football Association $12,500. pic.twitter.com/oB8hg6JGTX
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 29, 2025
This ruling has deeply frustrated fans, as they call for the head of the person or people responsible for this blunder. They believe they need to be held accountable for potentially costing the national team a spot in the World Cup. Furthermore, they highlight how incompetence has been a key theme in South Africa’s structures, with SAFA proving to be no different.
There needs to be serious consequences there at SAFA.This Bafana group has worked very hard to enjoy the results they have currently in this group. To now be subjected to the pressure they will have in the last two games all due to someone’s incompetence is criminal and not fair. https://t.co/VycyRr7jB0
— Yoza Qoshe (@Yolulwe_Qoshe) September 29, 2025
These 3 points Bafana Bafana deduction for fielding an ineligible player is an absolute disgrace from SAFA from top to bottom. We are in 2025 not in 1875.
We expect some heads to roll. And not only the person that was responsible for this but also top management. Unbelievable.— Joseph Bertrand (@JoBertrand19) September 29, 2025
Heads must roll at SAFA. Bafana bafana can’t be in such a predicament because of such stupid errors. It’s not like we were gonna lose the match against Lesoto had Teboho Mokoena not played. South Africans deserve better. Not these incompetent people at SAFA and bafana🚮 pic.twitter.com/Tn8lmuFigk
— Putco Warona🇿🇦 🌍✌️ (@PutcoWarona) September 29, 2025
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