Midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena has come a long way in his eight years with South Africa’s senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
Few would have noticed when he ran out for his debut against neighbours Botswana in the African Nations Championship [CHAN] qualifier played at the Francistown Stadium on 15 July 2017.
Born in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, in the Free State, Mokoena’s first run in national team colours came under then Bafana Bafana mentor Stuart Baxter, with Mokoena and company winning 2-0 away.
He was 20 at the time and in the books of SuperSport United, having come through Matsatsantsa’s youth academy.
“Stuart Baxter actually changed my life, and after that game [against Botswana], I managed to be a regular at SuperSport [United]… I’ll forever be grateful for the love he gave me,” reflected Mokoena.
True to his word, “Mrembula” has gone from strength to strength over the years, and he is now achieved a milestone, with his 50th appearance against Zambia in Saturday’s international friendly at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape.
He joins the likes of Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane and Percy Tau amongst the players who achieved the feat in recent times.
He is now sitting on half a century of caps and nine goals. His first goal came in the 6-0 thumping of Seychelles at the FNB Stadium in October 2018, which was a qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].
“I never thought my career would turn out this way. I think it’s got to do with my surroundings: my family, partner, my mom, my late grandfather, my grandmother, friends, even now my kid, coaches and everyone involved. They played a huge role in my career. Because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”
One of the highlights of his international career is certainly playing a key role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana’s third-place finish at the last edition of the AFCON will also live long in his memory.
At just 28 years old, Mokoena still has plenty to offer and if his workrate is anything to go by, there’s still more to come.
TEBOHO MOKOENA FACT FILE
Born: 24 January, 1997
Place of Birth: Bohlokong, Bethlehem, Free State
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Central Midfielder
Caps: 50
Goals: 9
National team debut: v Botswana, African Nations Championship [CHAN], 15 July, 2017.
