Broos Calls Mokoena’s Saga Nonsense

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has reacted with a bold statement about the statement of the secretary general of the Lesotho Football Association, Mokhosi Mohapi, who issued a warning that they will play under protest if South Africa fields Teboho Mokoena in Friday’s FIFA World Cup match qualifier. 

The match will be played at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, on Friday (18:00), where Likuena will be the hosts. 

The reason Likuena will host Broos’ side in South Africa is that their home stadiums in Lesotho do not meet the standards set by FIFA and CAF, and they always host their home games in South Africa. 

Mokoena got his first yellow card in their first match against Benin, where they won 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in 2023. The 28-year-old got his second yellow card last year in their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe at Toyota Stadium.

According to FIFA’s regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches in World Cup qualifiers must serve a one-match suspension. 

Mokoena was supposed to miss the game against Likuena in March this year at New Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Bafana Bafana won 2-0. However, Mokoena played against Likuena in that game, but Likuena discovered late that Mokoena was not supposed to play.

Now, Likuena has threatened to play under protest if Mokoena plays on Friday, as they believe he has not yet served his punishment. 

When asked if he would field Mokoena or not, Broos told reporters, “I’m not used to commenting or reacting on nonsense, and I will not do it even today [on Thursday], and thank you.”

The Belgian mentor added by emphasizing about the importance of winning the game against Likuena.

“You know, for us, we have to win the game tomorrow (on Friday), and I can tell you how we can try to do that,” he added.

“But what makes me actually happy is that I see a motivated group, and all the boys know that it’s for them to do the job, and it will highlight their careers.

“They want to be in America, Mexico, and Canada next year, so I know they will fight on Friday from the first whistle till the final whistle to beat Lesotho. 

“So, I think we’re ready, but again, it is in the stage of football where you don’t know what’s going to happen. But all in all, I think I’m confident that my boys can do the job to make the country happy.”

Bafana Bafana are currently on top in their Group C with 13 points after six games, while Likuena are sitting in fifth position with six points after six games as well.