Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has implored the team to focus on the do-or-die 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda later this month, and not on the Teboho Mokoena matter.
His comments come few days after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for erroneously fielding midfielder Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
Broos was speaking in Johannesburg after naming his final squad for the two decisive games.
“So, if we win two times, there’s a big chance that we would qualify for the World Cup. The only thing we have to do now, is to focus on the games, and not on rubbish. That is not important anymore, the punishment is there, we know the situation, and we must go for two victories,” said Broos.
In addition, he said everyone must take collective responsibility for the misunderstanding, including SAFA, himself, and Mokoena.
The Belgian mentor acknowledged that it was a big mistake and said he’s confident that it’ll not happen again.
“That is for sure. You see, Siyabonga Ngezana has been suspended we all knew it. It’s a good lesson for everyone, now we have 25 people at SAFA and my staff who have a little history of yellow cards. It’ll not happen again; I also have a list too now,” assured Broos.
The coach is confident that the three points deductions will not hamper the team’s progress to next year’s global showpiece.
He acknowledged that the three points deductions affected the group sittings and goal differences, but urged the players not to be deterred.
“They must not focus much on goal differences and focus on winning the game. Win the game and the goal differences change,” remarked Broos.
Bafana will play away to Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10th October and then host Rwanda four days later in the last qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium, in Mpumalanga, on 14th October.
