Sports Minister demands answers after ‘embarrassing’ Bafana sanctions

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has reacted to the punishment meted out on Bafana Bafana over the fielding of an ineligible player.

South Africa were docked points by FIFA, which dented their World Cup qualification chances, having slipped to second place in their group, level on 14 points with Benin, with two qualification matches remaining.

This is after the fielding of Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho on March 21 despite the fact that the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was suspended and it has led to South Africa forfeiting the match by a 3-0 score line following a ruling delivered by FIFA on Monday.

pic.twitter.com/Kb87VEK1At
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 29, 2025

That decision has seen McKenzie react with fury while demanding swift action as well as seeking answers over the administrative error that has cost Bafana Bafana dearly.

“This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football,” the Sports Minister said through a statement.

Sports Minister rallies South Africans behind Bafana

“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. We thank FIFA for swift action and not making us wonder and wait in agony about our fate.”

McKenzie has, however, urged South Africans to rally behind the national team at this time and ensure they are heavily backed in their next matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, which will put them in a great position to qualify, if they win both and results elsewhere go well for them.

“However, our immediate focus must be on rallying behind our national team as they prepare for their crucial final two matches in Durban and Mbombela,” the statement further said.

“Bafana Bafana have played with immense heart and determination to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup next year, and they deserve our unwavering support. This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification; our belief in the team's ability to succeed is unshaken.”

What is McKenzie demanding over Mokoena saga?

The Sports Minister says his ministry has opened a probe into the matter and wants a comprehensive report that will explain what led to the anomaly to deter such embarrassing issues in future.

“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction,” the statement further read.

“We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences.

“For now, we urge all South Africans to unite in support of Bafana Bafana. Let us get behind our boys in these critical games. Together, we can and must carry them on our shoulders to the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026, and this moment must show the world that South Africans come together in moments of crisis. We must be the 12th man on the field for them in the last two games.”