BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed it is preparing a formal response to FIFA after football’s world governing body launched an investigation into the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in Bafana Bafana’s recent World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

SAFA Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Monyepao, revealed on Thursday that the association had received official communication from FIFA on the matter.

“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded; we received it yesterday,” Monyepao said.

According to her, SAFA is compiling the necessary documents and explanations for the FIFA Disciplinary Committee as required. However, she played down concerns that the case could derail Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification campaign.

“Look, we’re not really worried about that. I think our focus right now is to ensure Bafana Bafana gets maximum points come October, because whatever happens, whether there is docking of points or whatever, if we get six points come October, nothing else matters,” the former Banyana Banyana player remarked.

South Africa are currently competing for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, and Monyepao insisted that on-field results remain the ultimate priority.
“It’s all about Bafana Bafana getting to the World Cup in 2026,” she added.

The outcome of FIFA’s disciplinary review is expected to determine whether South Africa will retain the points gained from the disputed fixture or face sanctions that could affect their qualification standing.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The investigation into Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility stems from FIFA’s strict rules on player suspensions and disciplinary carry-overs between matches.

Mokoena, a key midfielder for Bafana Bafana, was reportedly cautioned in earlier qualifiers, raising questions about whether he should have been suspended for the Lesotho game. If a player accumulates two yellow cards in different matches during the same competition, FIFA regulations stipulate an automatic one-match ban.

FIFA Rules at a Glance

• Two yellow cards in separate games = automatic suspension for the next match.
• A red card = automatic suspension, pending further sanctions.
• Any team that fields an ineligible or suspended player risks forfeiting the match, usually by a 3–0 scoreline.

Lesotho lodged a complaint after the game, insisting that Mokoena should not have featured. Even without the official complaint, South Africa would still have had case to answer as it happened in the Algeria-Nigeria World Cup qualifying match in which Algeria did not even protest.

FIFA has since acknowledged the protest and opened a case file.

For SAFA, the stakes are high. A points deduction or forfeiture could dent South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, depending on how tight Group standings become. This Saturday is the deadline for South Africa to state their case on why an ineligble player was fielded.

However, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao insists that even in a worst-case scenario, Bafana Bafana’s path remains in their own hands if they secure victories in the upcoming October qualifiers.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The clock is ticking fast to the six-day ultimatum that FIFA gave to the South African Football Association (SAFA) to respond to the country’s fielding of an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in March.

SAFA has till this Saturday to file their defense.

South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign could face a major twist if FIFA upholds a complaint that may see Bafana Bafana docked three points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.

Hugo Broos’ side currently sit three points clear at the top of Group C after eight rounds of matches, holding a strong advantage over their rivals. Third-placed Nigeria trail by six points, while Benin are second and pushing hard to keep qualification hopes alive.

A potential three-point deduction would drastically alter the group standings, bringing South Africa level with Benin. While Bafana hold the head-to-head edge after defeating the West Africans home and away, the ruling could pile pressure on Broos’ men heading into their final fixtures.

South Africa are scheduled to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October, matches that could now prove decisive if the disciplinary ruling narrows their margin at the top of the log.

For now, SAFA insists it is not worried about the investigation, but the looming threat of lost points means every remaining game could make or break Bafana Bafana’s journey to the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

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Current Group C Standings (after 8 games)

Projected Standings (if South Africa docked 3 points)

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