South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has explained Teboho Mokoena’s impact on the national team despite his limited playing time at Mamelodi Sundowns and the reasons behind his decision to trust the midfielder.
Broos was addressing the media following Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Congo Brazzaville in the 2025 AFCON qualifier match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday evening.
Mokoena netted two goals during the match when Broos’ team dominated Congo and earned the Man of the Match award.
Bafana also scored three more goals through Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners.
The 27-year-old, Mokoena, has been the talk of the town due to his lack of game time at Sundowns this season. Mokoena played in just three games during this campaign, all of which were in the MTN8 competition.
The Belgium mentor pointed out the significant progress Mokoena has made on the national team.
He continued to support the midfielder, expressing his confusion over why he is not being selected to play for Sundowns.
“I’ve known Teboho for two years now, and the progress he has made is enormous,” said Broos. “He has become a very good player. And I know that maybe today [Friday], he was extra motivated to show his coach at Sundowns that it was not right to put him on the bench or not to select him. So, this is what I like, not words, not talking, but just the performance.
“But what I said a few days ago is that I have to respect his [Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi] decision, but I can’t agree. I think today he [Mokoena] proved why I can’t agree that he mustn’t play at Sundowns.”
Broos continued: “Okay, this is not our problem, also for Khuliso [Mudau]. I put my whole confidence in those players because I know what they are; I know how good they are and how important they are to the team.
“So I just pray to God that maybe at Sundowns they change their minds and the guys get opportunities to play because if that situation stays for the long term, I will have to take the decisions that I don’t like to make.”
