Midfielder Teboho Mokoena excited to have reached 50 game milestone for South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has expressed delight after reaching a landmark 50 games for the South African national team.

Mokoena earned his 50th appearance for the Bafana Bafana during their international friendly against Zambia, where the side cruised to a 3-1 victory at Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who made his debut in 2018 celebrated the new milestone in style, playing a pivotal in the sides’ victory over the Chipolopolo.

Mokoena was awarded with framed Bafana ‘50th’ plaque by the football governing body after their game against Zambia.

“This is a big day in my life, I’m very grateful to have come this far,” Mokoena told SABC Sport after the pulsating match.

“Today is my 50th cap, I’m very excited and looking forward to the future.

“I’m feeling very happy, I don’t have words to express myself, but I want to thank coach Hugo because I started being a regular under him.

“I also want to thank Baxter because he is the one who gave me a Bafana debut. I want to thank everyone who sent me messages before the game even during the week. I appreciate it.

“I just want to give credit to Percy Tau because during my first cap he was around and he was the one who told me my time is gonna come.

“Unfortunately, he’s not here today but I want to give him his flowers for always being there for me.”

The midfielder has capped a potentially year of shame into one of greatness with Bafana Bafana following recent feat.

He came under heavy criticism during the World Cup qualifiers, featuring for the Bafana Bafana against Lesotho while suspended. South Africa were docked points and nearly missed out on qualification. Mokoena was given a warning by FIFA while SAFA were fined in monetary terms.

Since making his debut in 2018, the midfielder has established himself as a key member of the Bafana Bafana squad. He is expected to play a huge role for the national team ahead of the AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026.