Unapologetic Mokoena confident he can be replaced: ‘I didn’t let the team down’

Teboho Mokoena scored from 12 yards to help Bafana Bafana get a point against the Czech Republic at the Atlanta Stadium on Thursday evening.

Michal Sadilek opened the scoring in favour of the European nation after six minutes. However, Hugo Broos’ men responded with seven minutes to go from the penalty spot. The Mamelodi Sundowns star held his nerves to beat the custodian and sustain hopes to make the knockout phase.

However, the 33rd minute yellow card means Mokoena will play no part in the final Group A game against the South Korea Republic on June 25. A win will see the team stand a massive chance of playing in the knockout for the first time in their history.

The 29-year-old insists there are players who can effectively play his role and ensure Bafana Bafana deliver to advance. He has further explained it was a necessary yellow card.

I’m not playing alone at Bafana Bafana

“I didn’t let the team down. [The tackle] I was doing was for the team. I know my teammates will definitely do it for the team also,” Mokoena justified his action when questioned about the caution.

“Whoever will be playing will represent us as South Africans. We need everyone. [Sphephelo] Sithole will be back, Thalente [Mbatha] will be there, and we have Jayden [Adams]. We have so many guys who can play that role.

“I am not playing alone; we play as a team. We have confidence as a group, and we are growing in the tournament. So, most definitely, we will do well against South Korea,” he concluded.

Sithole is back from suspension after his sending-off against Mexico, while Themba Zwane’s availability remains unconfirmed. SAFA appealed the three-match suspension after the controversial sending-off in the World Cup opener.