BAFANA IN THE CLEAR?

HUGO Broos and Bafana Bafana appear to have been cleared over the controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena featured in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year when he was meant to have been serving a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in their previous two games.

As a result, South Africa’s rivals pushed for the maximum penalty – a points deduction and a forfeit of the Lesotho match. However, because Lesotho only picked up on the blunder after the 48-hour deadline had passed, world governing body Fifa have not taken any action.

Earlier this week, Fifa released their latest list of disciplinary sanctions for the World Cup qualifiers, and Bafana were absent.

This absence could be a hint that Broos’ manne have nothing to answer for.

Before last week’s clash against Nigeria, a tweet by Fifa also hinted that the saga was in the past, saying: “Two more teams could secure Fifa World Cup 2026 qualification today. 

“Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria, and Benin fail to beat Lesotho.”

While a three-point deduction wouldn’t be completely disastrous for Bafana, it would see them drop to second place in Group C, with two games left.

Broos’ men would then have to make sure they win their remaining two games, while hoping that new group leaders Benin drop points somewhere. 

South Africa still have to play Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Benin also have to face the Rwandans, but finish their campaign with a tough trip to Nigeria.

As it stands, Bafana only need a point next month to book their ticket to the United States, Mexico and Canada.