LFA Warns SAFA Over Possible Use of Teboho Mokoena in World Cup Qualifier

Tensions are rising ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Lesotho after the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) issued a firm warning to the South African Football Association (SAFA) over the possible selection of midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa currently lead Group C, sitting seven points clear of Lesotho, but the LFA insists that some of Bafana’s results may have been unfairly influenced. At the center of the dispute is Mokoena, who played in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho earlier this year despite having picked up two yellow cards in previous matches. Under FIFA regulations, this should have triggered an automatic suspension.

Following that match, the LFA lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, questioning why Mokoena was allowed to feature. FIFA has not yet issued a ruling, but Lesotho’s football authorities remain determined to press the matter further if the midfielder is listed again.

LFA secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi made the association’s stance clear in a recent interview. He stated that the rules leave no room for interpretation and warned that Lesotho will act immediately if Mokoena is named in the squad.

“Even if Teboho Mokoena just walks on the pitch, we’ll protest,” Mohapi said on the SoccerBeat YouTube Channel. “The regulation is clear. It says an automatic suspension for fielding an ineligible player. He was ineligible to play the Lesotho match, not the Benin one. The Benin one, he was simply dropped for fear of reprisal. This time, if we see him on the list, we will lodge the protest immediately.”

This clash adds extra intensity to a crucial qualifier. South Africa are chasing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Lesotho are fighting to keep their hopes alive. With the stakes high and regulatory disputes in play, all eyes will be on the team sheets before kickoff.