Broos hails ‘most important’ Bafana star on 50th cap milestone

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos took a moment following his side’s 3-1 victory over Zambia on Saturday to deliver a ringing endorsement of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who marked his 50th international cap in the friendly clash.

While the goals flowed from Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole—securing a comfortable win at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium—it was the longevity and influence of the Mamelodi Sundowns star that drew the highest praise from the Belgian coach.

“I congratulate him, certainly. It is not everyone who earns 50 caps, and now he will even have even more (in the future). Teboho Mokoena has become one of the most important South African national team players,” Broos stated, underscoring the deep value he places on the 28-year-old maestro.

Hugo Broos Proud of Teboho Mokoena

The victory served as a critical opportunity for Broos to finalise his selections for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a point the coach emphasised beforehand by treating the fixture with the intensity of a competitive match.

In a display that validated Broos’s assessment, the young attacking talent showcased their potential, ably assisted by the creativity of Sipho Mbule, who registered two assists. Although Sabobo Banda grabbed a late consolation for Zambia to put a respectable shine on the scoreline, the night belonged to the depth Broos is cultivating.

Zambia’s stand-in coach, Perry Mtapa, acknowledged the challenging fixture, admitting they faced a formidable opponent. He revealed that their technical team had observed Bafana’s significant improvement under Broos’s tutelage over the last four years.

Adding to the celebratory mood, South African Football Association (SAFA) president Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team, praising them for continuing to elevate the country’s footballing pride.