Lesotho FA Boss Mocks Bafana Bafana Over FIFA Ruling, Hits Back at Hugo Broos

Lesotho Football Association Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi has celebrated South Africa’s points deduction in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, saying the ruling proved his association’s case. 

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reduced South Africa’s tally by three points after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to feature in their March clash against Lesotho. 

The punishment, based on violations of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the competition’s regulations, has left Hugo Broos’ men in a tough spot.

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Before the sanction, Bafana enjoyed a three-point advantage at the top of Group C. Now, they sit level with Benin but behind on goal difference. The race for qualification has tightened, with four of the group’s five teams still in contention.

For Mohapi, the ruling was a moment of vindication after weeks of tension with South Africa’s camp, particularly after Broos dismissed the case as unfounded.

“If Bafana eventually make it as the group winners, I will buy their shirt and support them at the World Cup because they would have earned their place," Mohapi told Sowetan Live.

The Lesotho FA boss wasted no time in taking a swipe at Broos, who had previously brushed aside suggestions of wrongdoing. 

“Mr [Hugo] Broos should know I was not talking nonsense when I said SA has a case to answer. I now feel fulfilled. Fifa has done well to respect its own regulations,” Mohapi said.

He was also quick to stress that Lesotho’s pursuit of the case was not personal, but rather a matter of principle. 

“We had always maintained that our pursuit of this case had nothing to do with South Africa. Lesotho is a bona fide member of FIFA, and we played the rightful role to ensure the football rules are respected. We are happy to have been vindicated," he explained.

Still, Mohapi admitted the ruling’s timing created difficulties for his team. With the decision arriving only after September’s fixtures, Lesotho had to play without clarity on their standing.

“We would have loved to have played the last matches earlier this month, with the case finalised already. We would have approached the games differently, knowing we had nine points. But the group is now interesting because four of the five teams all have a chance going into the last matches,” Mohapi said.

South Africa’s sanction has left them with no margin for error. Broos’ side now need back-to-back victories to secure top spot and automatic qualification. 

On October 10, they will host Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before facing Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on October 14.

Benin are holding the edge on goal difference, thus Bafana must not only win but win convincingly to stay ahead in the group standings. 

The pressure is mounting on Broos and his players, particularly after the coach continued to field Mokoena despite the eligibility dispute hanging over him.