Lesotho threaten protest over Bafana Bafana’s potential selection of Mokoena

The Lesotho Football Association secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi has expressed grave concerns regarding Bafana Bafana’s potential selection of Teboho Mokoena for their upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier in Bloemfontein on Friday.

During a podcast on Wednesday evening with sports commentator Thomas Kwenaite, Mohapi disclosed that Lesotho are prepared to play under protest should Mokoena be called up, despite his prior suspension being served after he missed the match against Benin on March 21.

Lesotho felt that Mokoena should not have played against them in March, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, where the match ended in a 2-0 victory for Bafana. After the game, Lesotho learned Mokoena had been ineligible due to suspension. Bafana then decided to drop him for the Benin game four days later.

Lesotho protested to Fifa, but the deadline for submitting an appeal had already passed. They remain aggrieved, arguing that Mokoena was omitted for the match against Benin rather than suspended.

The crux of Lesotho’s grievance lies in the belief that Mokoena’s previous suspension created an imbalance in their last game.

“He should not have played against us last time, and so we were denied the benefit of his absence,” Mohapi stated, during the podcast, underscoring the critical role the midfielder plays for the South African team.

The ramifications of Mokoena’s inclusion, should he return to the squad, could significantly influence the outcome of the forthcoming match and disrupt the competitive integrity of the tournament.

This protest declaration raises important questions about how player selections are governed and regulated within CAF. 

Lesotho’s passionate response illustrates both the emotional and competitive stakes involved in international football, where the margins for victory can often hinge upon the availability of key players.

As discussions about player eligibility and fair competition continue, the governing bodies must ensure justice for the affected teams. Whether Bafana Bafana will heed Lesotho’s concerns or proceed with their squad selection, possibly including Mokoena, remains to be seen.