Teboho Mokoena’s influence makes him South African football’s standout asset

Oscar Mbo’s choice of Teboho Mokoena as South African football’s most marketable player has been backed by the midfielder’s performances for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.

The musician and entertainer named Mokoena during an appearance on the Football IQ Show podcast. Mbo, a committed Kaizer Chiefs supporter, may have been making a commercial judgement, but Mokoena’s appeal extends well beyond his profile away from the pitch.

The 29-year-old has more sponsorships than any other player in the PSL top flight, including ambassadorial agreements with Red Bull, Hyundai and Investec.

He is also one of the country’s most important footballers and arguably its most complete. Mokoena demonstrated that again on Wednesday night as Sundowns beat Siwelele 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld.

The victory moved Sundowns six points clear at the top of the table, although second-placed Orlando Pirates have two games in hand.

Mokoena was central to the way Sundowns controlled the match. His long-range effort struck the crossbar and allowed Kutlwano Letlhaku to follow up and score the opening goal, but his broader contribution was even more significant.

He set the rhythm in midfield, carrying out his defensive duties while also making regular runs into the final third. His ability to interrupt Siwelele’s play and help Sundowns retain control made him the driving force of the side.

Mokoena did not have a direct role in Sundowns’ second goal, when Siyanda Ndlovu won possession before scoring, or their third, which was finished by Tashreeq Matthews. Even so, he helped preserve the team’s balance and ensured they continued to dominate possession.

His form also appears to be more than a return to his best following injury. Since the start of the season, Mokoena has scored three goals in six matches in all competitions, continuing the high level he has maintained over several years.

He has been nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season award on numerous occasions, including last season.

Mokoena also took his talents to the recent World Cup, where he helped Bafana Bafana reach the Round of 32. His experience and consistency are expected to make him an important figure for new coach Pitso Mosimane, with Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea scheduled for this month and an international friendly against Egypt next month.

There was strong interest in Mokoena during this transfer window, but a move away from Sundowns now appears unlikely. That will be encouraging for both Miguel Cardoso, his club manager, and Mosimane, his Bafana counterpart.

Mokoena appears settled and is enjoying his football, qualities that further strengthen both his value to his teams and his appeal to commercial partners.