The South African national team fielded Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play in the World Cup qualifiers.
As a result, their opponents, Lesotho, filed a complaint, and now Bafana Bafana is likely to face a points deduction.
KHUNE DRAWS PARALLELS TO PAST MISTAKES
South African football legend Itumeleng Khune, speaking to Soccer Laduma, recalled a similar situation they faced in the past. He shared his experience, saying:
“During the AFCON qualifiers, we thought we had one game left, and a draw would be enough. We celebrated on the field in Nelspruit, thinking we had qualified. However, we later found out that SAFA (South African Football Association) had ignored communication from CAF or FIFA, and due to the head-to-head rule, we were eliminated.”
KHUNE CRITICIZES SAFA’S LACK OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Khune emphasized that the South African Football Federation must be more careful in such situations.
“Even remembering these incidents gives me goosebumps because such mistakes are truly heartbreaking. As a federation, you must anticipate these situations and handle them properly. We, as players, should be informed before stepping onto the field about all possible consequences.”
CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND APOLOGY
Khune stated that the Bafana Bafana coaching staff owes the nation an apology for this costly mistake.
“The same thing is happening again. After all the hard work that has been put in, losing three points and three goals is unacceptable. Someone must take responsibility because we cannot keep taking ten steps forward and twenty steps backward.
“Somebody must step forward and say to the nation, ‘I’m sorry that I’ve cost the national team three points and three goals.’”