South Africa FA ‘not worried’ about Fifa probe into ineligible Teboho Mokoena in World Cup qualifier

The South African Football Association (Safa) says it remains calm despite Fifa’s decision to open an investigation into the alleged fielding of an ineligible player during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

Fifa confirmed it has begun disciplinary proceedings after Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in previous Group C matches, featured in South Africa’s 2-0 win at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 21.

Under Fifa rules, if found guilty, the result would be overturned and a 3-0 victory awarded to Lesotho — a ruling that would push Benin ahead of South Africa on goal difference in the group standings.

Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao acknowledged receipt of Fifa’s letter and said the association is preparing its official response.

Speaking at an event in Soweto on Thursday to announce Shield & Vaseline as new Bafana partners, Monyepao stressed the body is focused on upcoming fixtures rather than the potential sanction.

“We are not really worried about that. Our focus is to ensure Bafana get maximum points come October because whatever happens, whether there’s docking of points or whatever you’re saying out there, if we get six points come October, nothing else is going to matter.”

Bafana, currently on 17 points, still have to play Zimbabwe away and Rwanda at home in their final two qualifiers.

Any loss of points from the Lesotho match would intensify the pressure on Hugo Broos’ men to secure wins in both games to guarantee their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.