Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has found himself at the centre of a political storm after acknowledging Economic Freedom Fighters supporters during the national team’s official homecoming at OR Tambo International Airport following South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. His brief remark has sparked opposing reactions from political leaders.
Fikile Mbalula called on the South African Football Association to reprimand the midfielder, arguing that national team players represent South Africans from different political parties, religions, languages and ethnic groups. “We can’t be silent when our national colours are being abused like this,” Mbalula said, adding that the player “must start taking advice from our football legends, not a political party.”
However, Gayton McKenzie defended Mokoena, saying politics should not divide sport. “Political affiliation should have no place in our sport,” McKenzie wrote. He added that the EFF supporters had turned out in large numbers and that he had greeted them publicly himself. “The player intended no malice. The atmosphere was one of unity,” he said.
Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela rejected calls for disciplinary action, arguing that constitutional rights do not disappear because an athlete represents South Africa.
He said Mokoena had merely acknowledged supporters who attended the homecoming and had not campaigned for any political party. “Hands off Teboho Mokoena,” Mandela said, urging equal protection of constitutional rights regardless of political affiliation.
Mandela further argued that South Africa’s Constitution protects freedom of conscience, expression and association, and warned against selectively applying those rights.
He also said history shows that sport and politics have often intersected, citing the international sporting boycott against apartheid as an example of politics influencing sport.
The debate has reignited discussion over where the line should be drawn between an athlete’s constitutional rights and the expectation of political neutrality while representing the national team.
While Mbalula believes national players should avoid political expressions in the national jersey, McKenzie maintains Mokoena intended no harm, and Mandela insists the midfielder’s constitutional rights should be respected equally.
