Gayton McKenzie: Heads must roll over Teboho Mokoena saga – ‘This is about accountability’

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie insists the administrative error that nearly cost Bafana Bafana a World Cup ticket will not be swept under the carpet.

Bafana Bafana were docked three points by FIFA following the fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March, when he was supposed to be suspended.

It left South Africa in danger of missing out on a World Cup ticket and they needed a favour from Nigeria, who beat Benin, while Bafana Bafana thrashed Rwanda to seal their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Sports Minister disagrees for SAFA boss

Bafana Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka has been the man blamed for the administrative error that led to the punishment from FIFA but SAFA president Danny Jordaan said the matter is now “closed” and no one will face any punishment since Hugo Broos’ men have already sealed their World Cup ticket.

However, McKenzie says heads must roll over the issue and will personally ensure there is punishment to avoid a situation where a bad precedent is set.

“As a department, we will investigate this matter. We need to know. This is not revenge, this is accountability,” McKenzie told SoccerBeat. “I cannot be a Minister and then nonsense like this happens and then I move on.”

Why is Gayton McKenzie keen on action?

“I am not looking for revenge, I am looking for justice because tomorrow, if something like this happens again. This is not a thing that will happen under my watch.

“I am not a Minister that will let things be swept under the carpet. SAFA has done well, I have given Danny Jordaan two KPIs, Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup and he has delivered whether you like him or not, he has delivered.”

McKenzie had already written to SAFA, urging them to drop their appeal over the docked points at FIFA and has remained steadfast in his bid to see that those responsible for the anomaly are brought to book.