South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has sought to calm fears after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Mokoena featured despite being suspended for card accumulation, a mistake that has sparked debate across the continent. FIFA and CAF are yet to issue an official ruling.
Broos admitted the error but insisted neither his technical team nor opponents Lesotho were aware of the player’s status.
“Honestly, we didn’t know Mokoena was suspended, and Lesotho didn’t know either,” Broos said.
He acknowledged the possibility of sanctions but downplayed fears of major consequences.
“If the decision is that we lose three points, then okay, we lose three points. But look at the rules — there was no complaint.”
Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Lehlohonolo Matsau of Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Photo by Icon Sport
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The Belgian coach also rejected suggestions of panic within his squad, pointing to strong recent results.
“What is Nigeria doing now? There was no complaint. Why should we start doubting, being worried or afraid? We got a good result in Nigeria, and we won in Benin. If it’s like that, we’ll fight on the pitch.”
Group standings and fixtures
South Africa currently top Group C with 13 points, while Nigeria sit fourth on seven as the qualifiers enter a decisive stage.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces the squad to face Lesotho and Nigeria in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.@SABC_Sport #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/gwTiEiZ8FR
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 28, 2025
Bafana Bafana will open their next round against Lesotho on Friday, 5 September, before hosting Nigeria in a highly anticipated clash four days later at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Lesotho will also play their “home” tie at the same venue, as they lack a CAF-approved stadium.
Final Bafana Bafana squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC).
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Siwelele FC), Zuko Mdunyelwa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth FC).
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates).
