McKenzie demands answers from SAFA on Mokoena yellow card saga

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has given the South African Football Association (SAFA) seven days to submit a detailed report on the Teboho Mokoena yellow card controversy.

Bafana Bafana faced intense scrutiny ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, after FIFA docked three points for fielding the ineligible Mokoena in their March clash against Lesotho in Polokwane.

“I am writing to you in my capacity as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to formally request a detailed report from the South African Football Association regarding the circumstances that led to Bafana Bafana being stripped of their victory against Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” McKenzie said in a statement.

“As you are aware, FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa stemmed from the fielding of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena. This incident not only jeopardised our national team’s qualification prospects. It has also raised significant concerns about administrative oversights within SAFA.”

On Wednesday SAFA president, Danny Jordaan, said the issue surrounding team manager Vincent Tseka’s blunder is a thing of the past. The focus should be on the AFCON and World Cup.

“I acknowledge the recent statements to me from the SAFA president [Jordaan] indicating that the matter has been dealt with and the association has chosen to move forward without dwelling on the issue,” McKenzie added.

The minister also formally apologised to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, for the points deduction imposed on Bafana Bafana during the World Cup qualifiers.

He expressed regret over the fielding of an ineligible player against Lesotho, which led to the sanction, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability and the integrity of South African football, while assuring no interference in the affairs of SAFA.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari