Bafana Bafana, the national football team of South Africa, has suffered a significant setback in its hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA, the global governing body of football, penalized the team by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player.
The decision, which was revealed on Monday, has incited anger. Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Sports Minister and Arts and Culture minister, condemned the incident as an “embarrassment to our nation and the game of football.”
The debate revolves around midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who participated in the March 21 Group C qualifier against Lesotho, which Bafana initially won 2-0.
Mokoena was supposed to be serving a suspension for having received two yellow cards in previous group stage matches.
“This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football,” McKenzie said.
He continued, “The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability.”
The Minister confirmed that a comprehensive report would be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity and prevent any recurrence of such failures.
