The intervention of government into SAFA matters, could heighten accountability, after the Teboho Mokoena yellow card debacle took sharp focus in parliament.
The country learned with shock that Mokoena played for Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, in a 2-0 win, a match he was supposed to sit out, after an accumulation of yellow cards.
Read: Bafana’s World Cup Dream In Danger After FIFA Rules Breach
Reports emerged that Bafana could be docked points for fielding an ineligible player, the news which came as an embarrassment after the national team also misread the rules in 2011 and celebrated qualifying for the 2012 Afcon, only to be told they actually did not qualify.
After appearing to parliament this week, before the Sports, Arts and Culture portfolio committee, the matter was interrogated, with the Chair of the meeting, Joe McGluwa making the government's stance clear.
"We will not hesitate to summon any entity or any minister to come and respond. It is therefore upon SAFA to convince this committee that no intervention is needed, specifically the fact that our team Bafana Bafana is threatened to be docked (points)," McGluwa said in his opening remarks.
"After it fielded Teboho Mokoena despite having accumulated two yellow cards, let alone the excitement, dancing and celebrations in 2011, after believing we qualified for the Afcon.
"All of this because of one individual who did not read the rules. The disciplinary action warrants a simple and analytic dashboard. SAFA have failed us in this regard," McGluwa added.
Read: Insight Into SAFA's Feelings On Mokoena Saga
SAFA responded that it was an honest mistake from team manager Vincent Tseka, after member of parliament demanded disciplinary action to be taken.
Hugo Broos' charges are five points clear at the top of Group C in the world cup qualifiers, with FIFA yet to make their ruling.
Reports states that Bafana could be off the hook on a technicality, after Lesotho made their protest outside of the stipulated times set by FIFA.
