SAFA unfazed by FIFA’s Teboho Mokoena investigation

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has downplayed concerns over a FIFA investigation into midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility, insisting that the matter will not derail Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirmed that the association received an official letter from FIFA on Wednesday, notifying them of an inquiry into the match against Lesotho in March, where Mamelodi Sundowns star Teboho Mokoena was fielded despite being ineligible due to an accumulation of two yellow cards.

The 2-0 victory for Bafana Bafana in that fixture is now under review by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which could result in a 3-0 forfeit loss.

Despite the potential for a three-point deduction and a significant goal difference swing, Monyepao remains unconcerned, stating that SAFA’s focus is squarely on the team’s upcoming final two qualifiers.

‘WE’RE NOT WORRIED’ – SAFA CEO ON BAFANA BAFANA STAR MOKOENA INELIGIBILITY

“We are not really worried about that,” Monyepao said at the Bafana’s new sponsor Shield and Vaseline announcement event in Soweto on Thursday.

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“I think our focus right now is to ensure that Bafana get maximum points come October [when they face Zimbabwe and Rwanda] because whatever happens, whether there’s docking of points or whatever you’re saying out there, if we get six points come October, nothing else is going to matter. It’s all about Bafana getting to the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.”

A precedent has been set in similar cases where nations have been stripped of points, making a forfeit a likely outcome. If the decision goes against South Africa, they would find themselves level on 14 points with Benin, although they would still hold the top spot in Group C with a superior goal difference.

SAFA is currently preparing its formal response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. However, the association is banking on Bafana Bafana securing victories in their final two matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, scheduled for October 6 and 13, to ensure their place at the World Cup, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded. We received it yesterday [Wednesday],” added Monyepao.

“So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which is ultimately required of us as an association.”