Levy Ramajoe’s Emotional Journey: How Teboho Mokoena Almost Missed the U-20 World Cup

As Teboho Mokoena celebrates his 50th cap for Bafana Bafana, former Bafana Bafana and South African U-20 national team manager Levy Ramajoe has reflected on the dramatic and emotional journey that nearly denied the midfielder his first taste of international football on the world stage.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Ramajoe revisited the events of 2017, when South Africa’s U-20 team qualified for the FIFA World Cup in South Korea. He recalled the technical committee that included Thabo Senong, Helman Mkelele, Molefi Ntseki, Lucky Shiburi and others, and the final preparation camp held in Qgeberha.

“In the year 2017, our under 20 (boys) national team qualified for the FIFA World Cup, billed to take place in South Korea. The last preparation camp was held in Qgeberha, where Bafana Bafana played Zambia yesterday… congratulations and good performance and positive results by our boys. One of Bafana Bafana players namely Teboho Mokoena achieved well deserved accolades and as the country we clap and proud of him,” Ramajoe wrote.

The Club vs Country Battle

Ramajoe detailed how Mokoena’s then club, SuperSport United, refused to release him for the tournament. Despite SAFA’s former CEO Dennis Mumble mandating that Mokoena should be part of the squad, negotiations broke down. A planned meeting at OR Tambo International Airport with SuperSport’s CEO never materialised, and the club’s stance was firm: Mokoena would not be going to the World Cup.

The technical committee was forced to announce the final squad without Mokoena, in compliance with FIFA’s strict regulations. Ramajoe likened the rules to the “Ten Commandments” — impossible to negotiate or change.

A Miracle Behind the Scenes

Three days before South Africa’s opening match in South Korea, Ramajoe received a call from Mumble informing him that SuperSport had finally agreed to release Mokoena. But by then, the player was not on the official squad list, and FIFA rules made his inclusion impossible.

Ramajoe recalled the emotional moment with coach Thabo Senong:

“On our way back to our rooms, as I was walking with Coach Thabo Senong, he emotionally says ‘manager I wish something unprecedented can be done, I really need Teboho Mokoena.’ This really touched me emotionally as well.”

Defying communication protocols, Ramajoe drafted a persuasive email directly to FIFA, requesting that the system be reopened to register Mokoena. Against all odds, FIFA acceded.

“Be that it may, I drafted a very persuasive email to FIFA and miraculously they acceded to my request and the system was opened merely to register Teboho Mokoena… that is how Teboho Mokoena joined and never missed a lifetime opportunity to participate in the U-20 FIFA World Cup,” Ramajoe revealed.

Full Circle

Today, as Mokoena reaches his 50th cap for the senior national team, the story of how he almost missed his first World Cup appearance serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between club commitments and national duty. It also highlights the determination of administrators like Ramajoe, who went beyond the call of duty to ensure a young player’s dream was not lost.

For Ramajoe, Qgeberha remains a venue of mixed emotions — a place of both painful memories and triumphant breakthroughs. For Mokoena, it marks the beginning of a journey that has now seen him become one of South Africa’s most celebrated midfielders.

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