It’s an uncomfortable question, but a necessary one who will take responsibility if Bafana Bafana fail to qualify for the FIFA World Cup due to what appears to be an avoidable administrative blunder?
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South Africa still has a lifeline. If Bafana win their final two CAF World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe (Friday) and Rwanda (Tuesday), and other group results go their way, they could still top Group C and book their spot at next year’s global showpiece.
However, even if that miracle happens, officials will likely brush aside the controversy over fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.
The Mokoena Controversy
FIFA docked South Africa three points after ruling that Mokoena was ineligible to play in that qualifier, as he had been serving a one-match suspension. The result of Bafana’s 2-0 victory was overturned to a 3-0 loss a devastating blow in a tight qualification group.
In response, the South African Football Association (SAFA) released a statement declaring their intent to appeal FIFA’s decision. The statement, however, was widely criticized for attempting to shift blame onto FIFA rather than accepting responsibility for what was clearly an internal administrative failure.
SAFA’s Accountability Problem
Nowhere in SAFA’s 279-word statement did the association acknowledge fault or express remorse for the mistake. Instead, the tone of the communication seemed defensive and dismissive.
As IOL Sport journalist Smiso Msomi aptly put it: “The Mokoena blunder is not just an unfortunate oversight; it is a symptom of systemic negligence.”
Indeed, one has to ask: how does such a fundamental error occur at this level? Who was tasked with verifying player suspensions before a World Cup qualifier and why was that process neglected?
The Bigger Picture
While the nation rallies behind Bafana in hopes of qualification, the lingering question remains: what happens if they don’t make it? Will anyone at SAFA face consequences for an error that potentially cost South Africa a World Cup berth?
History suggests accountability within the association is rare. But the hope remains that this incident sparks change, prompting better systems, transparency, and professionalism going forward.
Related article: Bafana Bafana Faces Setbacks Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not reflect those of What’s on G.
