The South African Football Association (SAFA) has vowed to appeal a FIFA ruling that handed Bafana Bafana a 3-0 defeat for fielding Teboho Mokoena in March’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. South Africa had originally won the game 2-0 but due to the fielding of Mokoena the game was awarded to Lesotho as a 3-0 win.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the midfielder was ineligible to play, issuing SAFA with a fine of more than R200 000 and a warning to Mokoena. In its response, SAFA said it was “deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome,” stressing the decision was made by a single-member panel without reasons or the chance to present arguments.

The association confirmed it has requested written reasons and will lodge a formal appeal within the 10-day deadline set by FIFA rules. It apologised to the nation for what it termed an administrative oversight, but insisted its priority remains Bafana’s push to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“We remain focused on ensuring the team secures maximum points in the matches ahead,” SAFA said, calling on South Africans to rally behind the squad. Bafana Bafana next face Zimbabwe in Durban on 10 October before hosting Rwanda in Mbombela on 14 October, with both games kicking off at 18h00.

Currently Bafana is second in Group C in the African World Cup qualifiers behind Benin. Both teams are on 14 points but Benin is ahead on goal difference, meaning that the matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda are must-win games for South Africa.