Mamelodi Sundowns are back in action and a controversial decision at national team level may have been a blessing in disguise as they prepare to take on Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena did not feature for Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday evening, after it emerged that he was ineligible to play in the previous match against Lesotho, played at Peter Mokaba Stadium last Friday.
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According to the FIFA World Cup qualifying rules, the talented midfielder was meant to have served a one-match suspension against Lesotho after picking up yellow cards in different matches, on matchday one and four. Bafana are in danger of being penalised by FIFA, with a possibility of a points deduction.
Mokoena was then completely left out of the team for the clash against Benin on Tuesday, but Bafana were still able to get the job done without him, winning 2-0 to solidify their spot at the summit of the Group C standings.
His exclusion may have been a blessing in disguise for Sundowns, who are taking on Sekhukhune in the quarter-finals this evening, a match that was supposed to be played a few weeks ago but was postponed due to a double booking of the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
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Mokoena got a rest on Tuesday and, despite travelling back via chartered plane, the midfielder could be in the right condition to start what's an important clash for Sundowns as they chase a treble of trophies in the last two months of the season.
The dream of winning the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup remains alive for Sundowns and they will need their best players available and fresh to take on this challenge.
