Are Bafana Bafana really in the clear over the Teboho Mokoena yellow card controversy?

Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana appear to have been cleared over the controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena featured in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year when he was meant to have been serving a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in their previous two games.

As a result, South Africa’s rivals pushed for the maximum penalty – a points deduction and a forfeit of the Lesotho match. However, because Lesotho only picked up on the blunder after the 48-hour deadline had passed, world governing body FIFA have not taken any action.

Earlier this week, FIFA released their latest list of disciplinary sanctions for the World Cup qualifiers, and Bafana Bafana were absent. This absence could be a hint that Broos’ men have nothing to answer to.

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Before last week’s clash against Nigeria, a tweet by FIFA also hinted that the saga was in the past.

Despite FIFA’s silence, questions over Mokoena’s eligibility linger, with South Africa’s rivals remaining unconvinced.

However, according to the Nigerian Eye website, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) maintained that South Africa was still in trouble.

“There has been no official communication from FIFA to that effect. What people are reporting is a tweet on FIFA’s X account, which we do not regard as official communication,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire was quoted by the website.

While a three-point deduction wouldn’t be completely disastrous for Bafana Bafana, it would see them drop into second place in Group C, with two games left to play.

Broos’ men would then have to make sure they win their remaining two games, while hoping that new group leaders Benin drop points somewhere. South Africa still has to play Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Benin also has to play the Rwandans, but finishes their campaign with a tough trip to Nigeria.

For now, though, the ruling appears to have lifted a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Bafana’s qualifying campaign. With their fate still in their own hands, Broos and his players can shift their focus back to the pitch, where victories in the final two games would not only secure their passage but also reaffirm their resilience in the face of off-field distractions.

For now, until FIFA issue a clear and official ruling, the situation remains unresolved, and Bafana Bafana cannot take anything for granted. Broos and his players must focus on their remaining games, aware that the final decision could still influence their World Cup qualifying hopes.

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