Update on Teboho Mokoena case: Will Bafana Bafana lose points?
The saga continues Teboho Mokoena – at the centre of Bafana Bafana’s ongoing points saga – takes part during a training session at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
South Africans are on edge right now waiting to hear what will happen with the Teboho Mokoena case.
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana have had a brilliant World Cup qualifying campaign and are on the verge of booking their place at next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, a possible points deduction hangs over the team after Mokoena featured in their 2-0 win over Lesotho. The 28-year-old should have been serving a suspension in that game after receiving a yellow card in their opening clash against Benin and another against Zimbabwe.
According to FIFA’s regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension. If found guilty, the stiffest penalty would see Bafana deducted three points, which would put every team apart from Zimbabwe back in contention for qualifying.
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The blunder was not picked up by Lesotho, and they missed the 24-hour deadline to report the matter to the match commissioner, CAF, or FIFA. Since then, they have gone on to say they won’t be pursuing a case against the South Africans.
So, on the surface, it looks like Broos and his men are in the clear.
Speaking in front of the portfolio committee for sport in Parliament two months ago, SAFA executive member Poobie Govindasamy said the issue was still being looked at by FIFA, and they will only act once the outcome is known.
“That matter is still under investigation. It will be dealt with… When FIFA makes that decision, then only can we complete the investigation,” Govindasamy said.
For now, Bafana Bafana and their supporters can only wait, with the World Cup dream hanging in the balance. The team’s performances on the pitch have put them on the brink of history, but it may ultimately be an administrative ruling that decides their fate.
Until FIFA delivers its verdict, South Africans will remain caught between hope and anxiety – uncertain whether Broos’ men are celebrating qualification or bracing for heartbreak.
IOL Sport