Brian Baloyi has called for heads to roll at SAFA after a shocking administrative error almost cost Bafana Bafana their place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The national team’s qualification campaign took a major hit when Teboho Mokoena was fielded in a match against Lesotho, despite being ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards.
While the Lesotho Football Association failed to raise an issue in time, FIFA’s strict disciplinary codes leave no room for mistakes.
The oversight has left South Africa exposed to the possibility of having points docked and even forfeiting their 2-0 win against Lesotho, a disaster for a team already battling to secure their spot in the tournament.
Baloyi, who represented South Africa at three major tournaments, did not mince words.
‘This is not the way to run a world-class football nation,’ he fumed. ‘If management can make mistakes like this, we are sending the wrong message. We need accountability.’
The former goalkeeper stressed that mistakes like these undermine the hard work of the players and are detrimental to the team’s morale. With Bafana currently leading their qualification group, the error could allow rivals like Rwanda and Benin to catch up. But Baloyi remains optimistic that if the players focus and win their remaining games, the issue will be irrelevant.
‘This is a wake-up call for everyone involved,’ he continued. ‘If we’re serious about making it to the World Cup, we need world-class management and accountability at every level. Otherwise, we risk throwing away what could be a historic opportunity.’
Despite the potential for sanctions, Baloyi believes Bafana still has a chance to qualify, but only if they stay grounded and focused on the task ahead. ‘We’re in a good position. We just need to take one game at a time and keep winning.’
The World Cup has always been the pinnacle for any footballer, and Baloyi wants this generation of players to experience the pride of representing South Africa on the global stage.
‘They need to understand the responsibility that comes with wearing that jersey and know what’s at stake,’ he concluded.
For now, Bafana’s fate lies in the balance as the national team looks to bounce back from this blunder and continue their charge toward 2026.
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Picture: Philip Meta / Gallo Images
