Teboho Mokoea. From potential disgrace to exclusive Bafana Bafana record of 50th maches against Zambia

Teboho Mokoena has capped a potentially year of shame into one of greatness with Bafana Bafana.

The Mamelodi Sundowns man earned his 50th cap for the national side yesterday against Zambia in a friendly international played at Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

This game came in a year in which Mokoena was at the centre of nearly seeing Bafana lose their place at next year’s World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada, because he played in a game while suspended.

Bafana were docked points by Fifa and this made their qualification journey a hard one following the deduction.

Mokoena was given a warning by Fifa while Safa were fined in monetary terms.

But upon receiving his framed Bafana ‘50th’ plague, after the 3-1 win over Zambia, Mokoena expressed joy.

“This is a big day in my life, I’m very grateful to have come this far,” Mokoena told SABC Sport after the pulsating match.

“Today is my 50th cap, I’m very excited and looking forward to the future.

“I’m feeling very happy, I don’t have words to express myself, but I want to thank coach Hugo because I started being a regular under him.

“I also want to thank Baxter because he is the one who gave me a Bafana debut. I want to thank everyone who sent me messages before the game even during the week. I appreciate it.

“I just want to give credit to Percy Tau because during my first cap he was around and he was the one who told me my time is gonna come.

“Unfortunately, he’s not here today but I want to give him his flowers for always being there for me.”