Former Nigeria captain and ex-Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has warned that South Africa are unlikely to escape punishment from FIFA after fielding an ineligible player during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The controversy centres on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured in Bafana Bafana’s fixture in March 2025 despite being suspended. Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers, triggering an automatic one-match ban. By playing him, South Africa may have breached FIFA’s strict eligibility rules.
Oliseh, speaking via his official Instagram account, made it clear that the consequences could be severe. “To the best of my knowledge South Africa is in trouble,” he wrote. “If a team fields an ineligible player and a valid protest is upheld, standard penalties include the forfeiture of the match. The result is typically overturned to a 3-0 defeat for the offending team, regardless of the actual score, resulting in the loss of three points for South Africa in this case and an award of three points to Lesotho.”
Potential impact on the group
South Africa currently lead their qualifying group with 16 points. However, a three-point deduction would reduce their tally to 13, tightening an already competitive race for top spot. With Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho all still in contention, such a ruling could dramatically reshape the group standings.
In World Cup qualifying, every point is vital. Losing three could undo months of work for Hugo Broos’ side and hand their rivals renewed belief. For Lesotho, the potential awarding of three points would represent a rare windfall and provide a major boost to their campaign.
FIFA’s process
While FIFA has yet to make an official ruling, precedents suggest that Oliseh’s interpretation is accurate. In past cases, teams fielding ineligible players have almost always been sanctioned with match forfeitures, regardless of whether the infringement was intentional.
The world governing body treats the eligibility of players as a fundamental principle, designed to protect the integrity of competitions. Once a protest is lodged and upheld, the sanctions are typically automatic.
South Africa may argue that the error was administrative or unintended. However, such defences rarely succeed in overturning punishments, as the responsibility to monitor suspensions lies squarely with the national association.
Oliseh’s warning
Oliseh’s intervention carries weight, given his experience both as a player and a coach. Known for his outspoken views, the former midfielder has often highlighted issues of discipline and professionalism in African football. In this instance, he believes FIFA will have little choice but to act.
“South Africa won’t escape this,” Oliseh emphasised. “The rules are clear. If you play someone who should not be on the pitch, you pay the price.”
Broader implications
For Bafana Bafana, the looming deduction comes at a time when optimism had returned. Their strong start to the qualifiers had raised hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Mokoena, a key figure in midfield, had been central to their campaign.
Yet this potential setback threatens to undermine that progress. A loss of points could not only damage their group position but also dent morale in the camp. Opponents will sense an opportunity, while South Africa’s focus may be disrupted by the off-field uncertainty.
Looking ahead
Should FIFA confirm the punishment, South Africa’s margin for error in the remaining qualifiers will shrink significantly. Matches against Nigeria and Rwanda could become decisive, with every slip likely to prove costly.
For Lesotho, meanwhile, the ruling could provide a historic lifeline. Gaining three points off the field would transform their chances of competing for qualification, offering them belief that has rarely been possible in their World Cup history.
As African qualifying reaches a critical stage, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can determine success or failure. In this case, an administrative oversight could alter the balance of an entire group.
For now, all eyes remain on FIFA’s disciplinary committee. But if Oliseh is correct, Bafana Bafana’s lead at the top of the group may soon vanish, replaced by the harsh reality of a costly mistake.
