Grateful Mokoena reflects on journey after celebrating 50th Bafana cap

Teboho Mokoena is not the type to indulge in fanfare, but even he could not hide the emotion as he marked a personal landmark during Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 win over Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has become one of Hugo Broos’ most trusted performers, earned his 50th Bafana cap, a milestone that arrived with a mix of pride, reflection and gratitude.

Mokoena played 46 minutes before being replaced by Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha early in the second half, but by then his achievement had already been sealed — and celebrated by teammates who understand how hard he has worked to become a permanent fixture in the national side.

After the match, Mokoena spoke with the calm authority that has become synonymous with his game, crediting the people who shaped his journey.

“This is a big day in my life, I’m very grateful to have come this far,” Mokoena told SABC Sport. (Saturday) wasmy 50th cap, I’m very excited and looking forward to the future.”

Under Broos, Mokoena has grown from a promising midfielder into a cornerstone of the Bafana spine — a player trusted in high-pressure qualifiers, AFCON campaigns and friendlies alike. He acknowledged the Belgian’s role in turning him from a rotational pick into an automatic starter.

“I’m feeling very happy, I don’t have words to express myself, but I want to thank coach Hugo because I started being a regular under him.”

Mokoena’s journey didn’t begin there. He also recognised former national team coach Stuart Baxter for giving him his first taste of international football.

“I also want to thank Baxter because he is the one who gave me a Bafana debut. I want to thank everyone who sent me messages before the game even during the week. I appreciate it.”

The soft-spoken midfielder then shifted to a figure rarely mentioned in such moments, Percy Tau.

The national team star played a quiet but significant role in Mokoena’s early days with Bafana, guiding him through the anxieties and uncertainties that come with stepping into the senior national setup.

“I just want to give credit to Tau because during my first cap he was around and he was the one who told me my time is gonna come,” Mokoena said. “Unfortunately, he’s not here but I want to give him his flowers for always being there for me.”

It was a moment that captured who Mokoena is — talented, disciplined, but grounded enough to remember the voices that shaped his rise. Fifty caps down. Many more expected. And a midfielder who continues to grow into the heartbeat of this Bafana generation.