Hugo Broos starts Teboho Mokoena in World Cup qualifier, despite Lesotho's warnings

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has brushed aside Lesotho’s threat to play Friday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier under protest if Teboho Mokoena takes part.

Broos named the midfielder in his starting lineup for the Cosafa derby at Toyota Stadium, despite the controversy surrounding him.

Mokoena featured in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Likuena in the first leg at New Peter Mokaba Stadium five months ago, even though he was ineligible after receiving two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers.

After realising their blunder post-match, Bafana withdrew Mokoena from the following qualifier against Benin in an attempt to make up for the suspension. However, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) rejected that solution.

LeFA's secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi told the media in Bloemfontein that Bafana should be docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat for fielding Mokoena, while the player should also serve his suspension by missing Friday’s return fixture.

But the South African Football Association paid little attention to the calls. Dismissing LeFA’s stance as “nonsense that I won’t comment on” during his pre-match press conference, Broos doubled down by naming Mokoena in his starting against Likuena.

Mokoena is one of just two senior players in the lineup — alongside captain Ronwen Williams — as Broos fielded a largely youthful, new-look side for the clash in the City of Roses.

Bafana will be eager to secure three points, which would keep them at the top of Group C, regardless of whether they are eventually docked points or not.