The South African Football Association (SAFA) remains confident despite FIFA’s ongoing disciplinary investigation into the alleged ineligible fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during a March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

FIFA announced last week that it is reviewing South Africa’s 2-0 victory, citing claims that Mokoena should have served a one-match suspension after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, a team that fields an ineligible player risks a 3-0 forfeit unless the actual result is more disadvantageous.

SAFA chief executive Lydia Monyepao confirmed the association is preparing a formal response. “We’ve received communication from FIFA regarding the investigation,” she told reporters. “Our duty is to present our case to the Disciplinary Committee. We’re focused on collecting maximum points in our upcoming qualifiers, so even if points were docked, it wouldn’t derail our campaign.”

Group C rivals are watching closely. Nigeria, currently third with 11 points, welcomed FIFA’s intervention, seeing a potential lifeline for their qualification hopes. South Africa lead the group with 17 points, three clear of Benin and six ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda. A three-point deduction would drop Bafana Bafana level with Benin, who would top the group on goal difference.

Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed frustration over the delayed ruling. “It is not normal that we do not know the status of the points before our matches,” he said. “South Africa should lose three points, which should go to Lesotho. We urge FIFA to decide quickly.”

Despite the uncertainty, Bafana coach Hugo Broos previously suggested the team might escape punishment, noting there was initially no formal complaint. For now, SAFA insists its attention remains firmly on October’s qualifiers as FIFA deliberates.