2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Broos Takes Responsibility For Mokoena Eligibility Error

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Broos Takes Responsibility For Mokoena Eligibility Error

Sampson Adedeji

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has openly admitted responsibility for the eligibility error involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena during South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

FIFA had earlier sanctioned South Africa for fielding Mokoena despite him being ineligible. Addressing the issue, Broos urged calm and insisted that qualification hopes remain intact.

 “I know everything that happened in the last two weeks, but we’re still alive. Nothing has changed. After the game against Nigeria, we were three points ahead, and we still had to win our last two games,” Broos said.

 “Why believe Benin will win their last two games and we won’t? I don’t understand why people start doubting and saying we can’t qualify anymore. People need to stop looking for someone to blame. We all know a mistake was made, but between the first match and the second, there were 16 months, and we also played AFCON.”

The Belgian tactician, however, made it clear who should shoulder the blame. “Who is responsible? It’s clear I’m responsible as the coach. My staff is responsible, the coaching staff is responsible, the player is responsible, and SAFA’s administration is responsible,” he told iDiski Times.