Hugo Broos addresses Mokoena blow for must-win South Korea tie

24.06.26 FT World Cup

South Africa

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South Korea

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has addressed the suspension of midfield general Teboho Mokoena for their must-win clash against South Korea in their final Group A outing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The dynamic midfielder received his second yellow card of the tournament against Czech Republic last Thursday, before salvaging a point for South Africa after converting from the spot kick in the 83rd minute.

Notably, Bafana are joint top for the number of cards accumulated at the ongoing World Cup, having amassed four yellow cards and two red cards, much to the concern of the outspoken Belgian mentor.

“It's a pity that we got two yellow cards again I think, and during the tournament if we go through we'll have to pay that cash and they are not the weakest players in our team, they are one of the best players in our team. It's something we have to solve, the problem is there and we will try to do it,” said Broos.

Now, with Mokoena ruled out of the crunch match owing to ill-discipline, Broos acknowledges that his team is fairly inexperienced at World Cup level, stating that the player's cautioning was somewhat stupid.

“I think Teboho has always been a good player and is still a good player, but you know in a game like that sometimes it's very difficult to control your emotions and this was a stupid yellow card if I can say,” said the veteran tactician.

"But such things may not happen, but this is also something we have to learn at this level, this is a team with not much experience except on the continent of Africa, but except that we don't have any experience.

"So, we learn a lot in these games we're playing now, and again, it would be very good for the team if we go to the second round, and then those things will disappear, I'm very sure of it - things like moment of the throw in [against Czechia].

"We need to be focused from the first second of the game, know what will happen and take position. You're showing your emotions and getting a yellow card, but I will blame nobody for that, there's also a good side to it because it means that the mentality of Teboho is very good and that pleases me more than the yellow card he got.

While Bafana remain rooted at the bottom of Group A standings with one point, they could progress to the knockout stages for the first time in history in the event of beating second-placed South Korea on Thursday, 25 June.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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