Teboho Mokoena reveals story behind tearful national anthem moment – ‘I felt his presence’

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has shared the deeply personal reason behind the tears he shed during the national anthem before South Africa’s crucial 1-1 draw with Czechia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Hugo Broos’s side battled back to secure a vital point at the Atlanta Stadium, keeping their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. Despite being at the bottom of Group A, South Africa’s fate is still in their hands.

A win against South Korea in their final group match on Wednesday, June 24, at Mexico’s Estadio Monterrey could see them progress, either by finishing in the top two or as one of the best third-placed teams.

Mokoena sheds light on tearful moment

Mokoena … do it for us ❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/VSPcSg8A6C

— Koki (@KayexHenry) June 18, 2026

Before the match, cameras captured an emotional Mokoena crying during the rendition of ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. The Mamelodi Sundowns star, who later scored the equalising penalty, explained the overwhelming feelings that overcame him.

“I was overwhelmed because I was thinking about my late grandfather,” Mokoena revealed in the mixed zone as per FARPost. “I know wherever he is, he is proud of me. I just felt his presence at that moment. And I know that if he were here, he would be so proud because he believed in me when no one else did.”

The midfielder also cited his family as a source of his emotion. “I was also thinking about my mom and my son; they are the people who believe in me,” he added. “I was just so emotional because we are playing in the World Cup—South Africa against Czechia in front of a sold-out crowd.”

🇿🇦 "𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕖𝕝𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥…"

Bafana hero Teboho Mokoena opens up on the deeply personal reason behind his viral national anthem tears ahead of the Czechia draw.

The midfielder dedicates his massive World Cup moment to his late… pic.twitter.com/3hi7CxGeY5

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) June 18, 2026

Bafana midfielder feeling fulfilled

For the Bethlehem native, competing on the world’s biggest stage is the fulfillment of a childhood ambition.

“I never thought as a kid that I would be here,” Mokoena admitted. “Scoring that goal was the cherry on top. I was emotional. It is a dream come true; I am living the dream of that young kid from back then.”

However, Mokoena’s heroics came with a significant setback. He will miss the decisive final group match against South Korea after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament.

Having also been booked in the opening game against Mexico, his suspension forces coach Hugo Broos to find a replacement for the crucial encounter.