Broos dismisses Lesotho’s protest over Mokoena as ‘nonsense’

Outspoken Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has dismissed Lesotho’s threat to protest midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, calling the issue “nonsense.”

The two Southern African countries will battle it out at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in a Group C encounter.

🚨MATCH DAY🚨

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group C

⚽️ Lesotho 🇱🇸 vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
🗓 5 September 2025
⏰️ 18h00
🏟 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
📺 SABC Sport#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/iHNBjVpNpZ

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 5, 2025

Broos’ utterances come after Lesotho, who lost 2-0 to Bafana in the first round of the qualifiers, claimed that Mamelodi Sundowns star Mokoena was ineligible to play in their previous encounter in March at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium due to a suspension.

Although Lesotho failed to file a formal protest within the required timeframe after the match, Bafana chose to leave Mokoena out of the following game against Benin.

The general secretary of the Lesotho Football Association, Mokhosi Mohapi, voiced his concerns to reporters on Thursday, stating that allowing nations to “pick and choose” when to serve a suspension would lead to “disarray” in football.

However, Broos refused to be drawn into the controversy during a press conference on Thursday.

“Look, before you go on, I will tell you that I’m not used to commenting or reacting to nonsense. I’ll not do it today,” he said.

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