Why Bafana Bafana’s World Cup miracle can’t save SAFA bosses

The euphoria surrounding Bafana Bafana’s stunning qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, secured by a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda on Tuesday, has been quickly overshadowed by a political storm brewing over the administrative errors that nearly cost the nation its place at the global tournament.

At the centre of the conflict are South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan and South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who are now at loggerheads regarding accountability for the infamous Teboho Mokoena yellow card saga.

Jordaan Declares: ‘The Bafana Bafana-Mokoena Matter is Closed’

The qualification drama was precipitated by a shocking FIFA ruling that deducted three points from South Africa for fielding Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended after accumulating two yellow cards, in the qualifier against Lesotho back in March.

Despite this penalty, Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’s side showed incredible resilience, culminating in the match against Rwanda that sealed their passage. For the SAFA president, success equals resolution.

Speaking to the media upon the team’s return to OR Tambo International Airport from Mbombela, Jordaan was unapologetic and blunt in his assessment of the blunder’s aftermath.

“We are going to the World Cup. So the matter is closed, we are not interested in the matter, we’ve qualified,” Jordaan stated, attempting to shift focus immediately to future tournaments, including the African Cup of Nations. “We’re not going to dwell on what is behind us because what is in front of us is the World Cup,” he concluded, signalling a distinct lack of appetite for internal investigation.

McKenzie Vows Action For Bafana Bafana: ‘It Will Not Be Swept Under the Carpet’

This stance has been sharply contested by Minister McKenzie, who argues that the successful qualification does not absolve the federation of its administrative failures. The Minister insists that somebody must “face the music” for the near-catastrophe.

In a candid interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide, McKenzie praised the Bafana Bafana players but highlighted the severity of the institutional mistake. “The Boys didn’t just qualify; they did so facing the biggest ever mistake that was made in our country. They had to overcome a double bridge, and it was out of their hands.”

McKenzie passionately argued that accountability is essential to preventing future errors, especially given the high stakes involved for the national team players. “We must understand that a lot was at stake here. All the players in the team have never been at the World Cu,p and this would have been their one opportunity, and they were close to missing it,” he stated.

Crucially, the Minister revealed that even Coach Hugo Broos had personally requested that McKenzie “leave the issue.” Acknowledging the coach’s desire for peace, McKenzie firmly denied the request, stating, “I will not leave the issue.”

McKenzie concluded by confirming that his Ministry has sent formal letters to both FIFA and CAF, informing them of the government’s intent to investigate the matter internally.

🔴 NAZOOOOOOOOOOO000!!! 🔴

The Minister of Sports Arts and Culture @GaytonMcK has written TWO formal letters. One addressed to SAFA President Danny Jordaan and the other to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the mess that was caused by SAFA!!

“Thoughts, please…!!”… pic.twitter.com/Bpwt6dXLod

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 17, 2025

“What I am saying is that under my ministry, this matter will not be swept under the carpet,” the Minister affirmed. “Whoever is responsible must face the full might of the law. I am going to do what I need to do as a minister.”

While Bafana Bafana prepares for the World Cup and AFCON, it is clear that for the leadership of South African football, the battle for accountability is only just beginning.