Bafana Bafana recently brought pride to South Africa by securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States. However, the team’s achievement has been overshadowed by a contentious yellow card incident that nearly jeopardized their qualification.
The Tebogo Mokoena Saga
The controversy began when the national team was penalized by FIFA, losing three points and three goals during the World Cup qualifiers due to an administrative error involving player eligibility. The incident, centered on the Tebogo Mokoena case, has sparked widespread calls for accountability.
Bafana Bafana: Contralesa Demands Accountability
Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena, president of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
“Contralesa congratulates our national team for making it to the World Cup in America in 2026. We are extremely proud of our players,” Mokoena stated. “However, we cannot simply overlook the Tebogo Mokoena incident, which almost cost our country a place at the World Cup. It is critical that Safa identifies the person responsible for this error.”
Mokoena stressed the importance of accountability, highlighting that identifying the individual behind the administrative mistake is vital to prevent similar errors in the future. “We need to ensure that those responsible are held to account and that such oversights do not occur again,” he added.
Government Intervention
The call for investigation follows formal actions from Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie. In a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the South African Football Association (Safa), McKenzie demanded full transparency and responsibility regarding the incident.
“This administrative oversight has unfortunately brought South African football into disrepute,” McKenzie wrote. “While it is not our intention to interfere with football administration which is the sole responsibility of FIFA and Safa the nation remains committed to preserving the integrity of the game and safeguarding South Africa’s reputation on the global stage.”
As the nation celebrates Bafana Bafana’s qualification, Contralesa’s call serves as a reminder that accountability and proper administration remain crucial in South African football. The investigation into the yellow card saga may well set a precedent for ensuring stricter oversight in the future.
Related article: Bafana Bafana Survived the Mokoena Saga — But What About the Next Time?
