Jomo Sono calls for sackings over Bafana Bafana points deduction

Jomo Sono has joined those calling for heads to roll over the administrative blunder that led to a three-point deduction for Bafana Bafana.

Bafana Bafana were punished by FIFA early this week when they were docked three points for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March when he was supposed to be suspended for the game.

It saw South Africa lose their advantage in the race for a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, having tumbled from top position with 17 points, to second with 14, same as Benin, but with an inferior goal difference.

It leaves them in a must-win situation in their final two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda but will also need favours from elsewhere to qualify for the World Cup and Sono is furious over the blunder, calling for the sacking of those responsible.

Pirates legend wants heads to roll at SAFA

“SAFA they should take action against that person who doesn't even understand the rules of the game,” Sono told KickOff.

“I don't know that person, but whoever he is, he is responsible. Obviously, it's not the coach because the coach doesn't deal with players' bookings. Surely there's someone in the management who deals with such things.

“Sometimes it's cost by these things of keeping unnecessary people around your bench. Some of these people you cannot even tell what their duties are in the technical team. They are just standing there doing nothing.”

Sono is critical of the many people who comprise the Bafana Bafana technical bench as he feels some of them do not add value and could be the reason South African find themselves in this position.

Sono unimpressed by ‘crowded’ Bafana bench

“That Bafana Bafana bench is overcrowded to be honest, that's why when I was coaching the national team, I didn't want many people at the bench because as a coach you end up not knowing who is doing what and who is doing what,” added the former Bafana Bafana coach.

“A player can remember the bookings and inform the management, but if the management have people who are desperate, they will tell the player ‘Nah there's nothing wrong here go and play!' Then the player will do nothing.”

While some observers have criticised Mokoena for playing when he knew he was suspended, the Orlando Pirates legend feels the player cannot be blamed as there are people paid to ensure the team is in the clear.

Should Mokoena and Broos be blamed?

“They forget that football is played within the rules and regulations. The player cannot be blamed and the coach cannot be blamed for this blunder. The administrator who deals with the bookings is the one who should be blamed. There must be a person who is responsible for this,” said Sono.

“Maybe that person forgot, but you can't forget about something that a nation is dependent on. Because now look you've let the whole country down. What if Benin won their two games and score goals? If it happens, we are out.”

Bafana Bafana play Zimbabwe in Durban on October 10 before hosting Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium four days later.