In his characteristically blunt style the Belgian tactician pointed out the midfielder and defender were wrecking their AFCON and World Cup dreams by pursuing moves that led to them warming the bench instead of gaining valuable playing time.
The Belgian has responded to the administrator who had threatened a "thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction" after South Africa were deducted three points in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
After finding itself receiving heavy criticism after Bafana were punished, the football association is staring at yet another tough case. The delay in conclusively dealing with appeals involving players has now emerged as another challenge SAFA is facing as the local players union says enough is enough..
With the case now settled, the football official says Bafana now have a chance of rightfully fighting for a slot in next year's finals. He also feels Lesotho would have played their last qualifier differently had FIFA rendered judgement.
It is advantage Benin after FIFA's sanctions on South Africa took them to the top of Group C. But Eric Chelle's side still have a chance to go to the summit of the standings, something that has restored hope in his side. But a former Nigeria international has lambasted the West Africans for relying on other teams.
SA found themselves in hot water following Mokoena's appearance against Lesotho, who complained and brought the matter to FIFA's attention. After the ruling, the FA official says he has been vindicated because he helped restore the game's integrity.
SA finally learnt of FIFA's ruling in the case that involved the suspended Bafana Bafana midfielder. The deduction of points comes with the qualifiers set to conclude in October, putting Hugo Broos' boys in a very complicated position despite the hard work that took them to the top of their group.
South Africa’s World Cup hopes took a major hit as FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding Mokoena, deemed ineligible, in the March 2025 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling strips Bafana Bafana of crucial points, slaps SAFA with a fine and a warning to Mokoena.
South Africa’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a major blow after FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield star in a qualifier against Lesotho. Mokoena was deemed ineligible, triggering disciplinary action and casting doubt over the campaign.
The current South Africa national team is trying to match or surpass the Clas of 1996 which won the Africa Cup of Nations and went on to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Every generation has a face of the crop and an ex-Amakhosi star selects the player he thinks is the heartbeat of today's team.
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