In a high-stakes twist ahead of South Africa’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, a former FIFA disciplinary committee member has issued a stark warning to the South African Football Association (SAFA). Raymond Hack, speaking on the SoccerBeat podcast, cautioned that fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena could lead to severe penalties, including match forfeits and fines, if his eligibility remains unresolved.
The controversy stems from Mokoena’s accumulation of yellow cards during earlier qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe. Under FIFA rules, two yellows trigger a one-match suspension. Lesotho’s football association protested Mokoena’s participation in a prior encounter with them, alleging he was ineligible at the time. FIFA has yet to rule on the matter, creating a cloud of uncertainty.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos opted to bench Mokoena in the subsequent game against Benin as a precautionary measure, hoping it would count as serving the ban. However, Hack emphasized that without explicit confirmation from FIFA, this action might not hold up. “They’re playing with fire,” Hack said, drawing parallels to past cases where federations faced dire consequences for similar oversights. Penalties could include an additional ban for the player, financial sanctions for SAFA, and even reversing match results to 3-0 defeats.
Mokoena, a key figure for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana’s midfield engine, is vital to the team’s strategy. His potential absence or risky inclusion adds pressure to a squad fighting for a spot in the expanded 2026 tournament hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. South Africa sits in a competitive Group C alongside Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho, where every point is critical.
Hack urged SAFA to seek immediate clarification from FIFA’s disciplinary body. “Players and associations must take responsibility,” he noted. “Assuming it’s resolved without proof is a gamble that could derail their campaign.”
Lesotho’s FA has signaled readiness to lodge another protest if Mokoena plays, potentially escalating the issue. Meanwhile, speculation swirls about involvement from the Nigerian Football Federation, though Hack clarified they can only challenge if directly affected.
For Bafana fans, this eligibility saga injects extra drama into Friday’s clash. A victory could solidify their group standing, but a post-match sanction might erase those gains. As the clock ticks, SAFA’s decision on Mokoena could define not just the game, but their World Cup aspirations. Will caution prevail, or will they roll the dice?
