Mokoena dedicates MTN8 final goal to brother after family trauma

Teboho Mokoena said he was “not really okay” despite helping Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, revealing that his grandfather had died and his brother had been stabbed multiple times.

Mokoena scored Sundowns’ opening goal in the 11th minute as Masandawana secured their fifth MTN8 trophy and ended Orlando Pirates’ winning run in the competition.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final, the midfielder said the past two weeks had been particularly difficult for his family.

“It’s been tough two weeks for me, I lost my grandfather two weeks ago,” Mokoena said.

“I almost lost my brother who got stabbed the day before we played Guinea. They stabbed him multiple times, it’s been tough, but I’d like to dedicate this game to him, he is in the hospital bed. I hope justice will be served.”

Mokoena said the victory could not disguise the emotional impact of what had happened.

“I’m happy that we won but inside I’m not really okay because it’s sad what happened to my family and you always have to show up doesn’t matter how you’re feeling,” he added.

“I dedicate this game to him, my brother and I hope he recovers.”

The final marked another important success for Sundowns, who had won their second title after the FIFA Africa-Asian Cup before the international break.

Mokoena said the club had set itself a demanding target for the season and would regard it as a failure if that objective was not achieved.

“As a team this season our target is plus five trophies, or else it’s going to be a failure,” he said.

“Two out of two, six to go, or five to go, I’m not sure but yeah…”