Teboho Mokoena Returns to Bafana Bafana Amid Eligibility Debate

Teboho Mokoena is set to resume duty with Bafana Bafana in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but his name continues to draw interest due to questions around his eligibility earlier this year.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder last played for the national team in March against Lesotho. That appearance was clouded by errors from the South African Football Association (SAFA) regarding his suspension status.

Mokoena received his first yellow card in the Group C qualifiers against Benin in November 2023. His second caution came seven months later against Zimbabwe. According to competition rules, he was required to serve a one-match suspension in the next World Cup qualifier. That match was against Lesotho in March.

However, Bafana fielded Mokoena in that game, which ended in a 2-0 win. This raised concerns because the midfielder should have been suspended. While he was eligible for six Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played between his second yellow card and the Lesotho game, those matches did not affect his World Cup suspension.

Nigeria pushed the outcry over the matter, but Lesotho never lodged an official protest within the time allowed. This left the case in limbo.

FIFA has since issued two disciplinary overviews for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Neither the May report, covering the March FIFA dates, nor the latest August update mention Mokoena or the Bafana Bafana versus Lesotho fixture.

The global body emphasized that decisions are based on the circumstances of each case and that only official communication to the concerned parties counts as valid. The August update also confirmed the arbitration rules that will guide future disputes during the qualifiers.

This means Mokoena is available for selection as Bafana Bafana continue their push in Group C. For now, FIFA has chosen not to pursue the issue, allowing the 27-year-old to focus on helping South Africa qualify for the 2026 World Cup.