National team coach Hugo Broos has called on SAFA to use the Teboho Mokoena sags as a wake-up call. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
COMMENT
SAFA are facing increasing scrutiny following the recent Teboho Mokoena saga, which has cast a shadow over the management and operational efficiency of the team's personnel.
National team coach Hugo Broos has called on Safa to use this incident as a wake-up call to address its ongoing administrative issues, offering a timely reminder: "We must not do stupid things!"
Bafana Bafana have captured the imagination of South African football fans with an impressive unbeaten run in the recent window of World Cup qualifiers. They have built superbly on their last Africa Cup of Nations bronze-medal performance, displaying a newfound consistency that has been rare in recent years.
They are currently on a world-class 18-game unbeaten streak, a marvellous achievement given the team's ongoing struggles. However, due to administrative negligence, the squad has had to deal with a catalogue of mishaps on all fronts, both at home and abroad.
There have been instances where the squad could not play friendlies because the administration failed to act in good time. On other occasions, they learnt at the last minute that scheduled training could not take place at designated venues.
The squad has also been stranded at airports because administrators were unaware of operational times at the facilities. The list goes on.
These failures have disrupted training routines, with players missing out on critical preparation opportunities due to poorly coordinated schedules.
Teboho Mokoena.
Image: Backpagepix
A few days ago, Bafana Bafana were forbidden from training at the match venue a day before their fixture against Benin in Ivory Coast. While this was ultimately a decision made by the Ivorian FA, who control the stadium, the team's administrators should have foreseen the problem.
An international match had taken place at the stadium the day before Bafana Bafana’s game, which should have raised a red flag.
Former CEO Dennis Mumble, one of Safa’s biggest critics, has attributed the Teboho Mokoena saga to administrative negligence. He insists that the team's head of delegation is directly responsible for allowing an ineligible player to feature in a national team match.
Safa must act decisively to implement proper systems and prevent further administrative blunders. A thorough audit of its practices is essential to ensure Bafana Bafana can foster an environment conducive to even greater success as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.