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 attacking midfielder is currently recuperating from a recent injury that has already ruled him out of upcoming Bafana games. Although Cardoso is confident of Zwane's quick recovery, he has called for patience and said the club is cautious about his situation.
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.
For the first time since leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, the youthful coach is back in the continent's premier club competition. It is also his first time to lead a North African side in this tournament after failing to help Wydad Casablanca return to Africa, leading to his sacking. He is now in Algeria trying to guide the 1976 African champions to continental glory.
Masandawana surged to the top of the PSL standings following an emphatic win over Richards Bay. Tashreeq Matthews led the charge with a brace, while Malibongwe Khoza and Iqraam Rayners also found the back of the net to cap off a dominant performance.
The defending league champions returned to winning ways in domestic action with a commanding performance against the Natal Rich Boys at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The victory secured maximum points for Masandawana, propelling them to the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings, one point clear of Sekhukhune United.
The 24-year-old has been struggling to recreate the form that saw him being selected to go to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals with Bafana Bafana before being signed by the Brazilians. This is despite the trust Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso has in him and featuring in the team's all matches across all competitions this season, although coming on as a substitute.
The transfer window may be closed, but there are free agents who could add their flair to any PSL club. Experience, hunger and tactical versatility are waiting on the sidelines - ready to be called upon when clubs need a timely boost.
The Brazilians have confirmed their fourth signing of the season after bringing in another Portuguese to Chloorkop. It now remains to be seen if they have made the correct choice as they struggle to break away and take a commanding lead in the Premier Soccer League title race just like they have been doing for the better part of the last eight seasons.
The Brazilians' Premier Soccer League title is under serious threat as Babina Noko lead the race for glory while Bucs and Amakhosi are on the hunt. Downs’ grip on the league title is starting to feel less certain as Sekhukhune have taken the spotlight, leading the pack from the very beginning of the season.
The Abafana Bes'thende tactician believes his former club is still a competitive side and has explained what is making Masandawana struggle. The coach has also tipped the new signings to shine and help the club.
The Portuguese midfielder was landed just hours before the transfer window closed and got his first minutes in Wednesday's loss to Golden Arrows. Despite the result, Masandawana's new No10 has talked about his approach to football and laid down what he wants to achieve.
The tactician discussed what the former Masandawana star was capable of offering after the Tshwane giants suffered their first loss of the season. However, Cardoso said they are not trying to replace but are developing a team with a different identity.
Masandawana were frustrated and ended up dropping points that may cost them big at the end of the season. Being the defending champions and a dominant force in the last eight seasons, much was expected from them, but they look far from convincing.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
