Ba2cada Blasts SAFA Over FIFA Points Deduction, Predicts No Accountability for Bafana Blunder
In a scathing take that’s resonating with frustrated fans, a well-known football and radio personality Ba2cada has slammed the South African Football Association for the administrative slip-up that led to FIFA docking three points from Bafana Bafana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The penalty, confirmed on Monday, 29 September 2025, stems from midfielder Teboho Mokoena playing against Lesotho despite a suspension, putting the team’s qualification hopes on shaky ground. The commentator pulled no punches, calling it typical SAFA negligence with zero chance of anyone owning up or facing consequences. As the nation digests this setback, which flips a 2-0 win to a 3-0 forfeit loss, calls grow for a shake-up at the top to fix the rot in local football management.
Bafana now sit tied on 14 points with Benin in Group C but trail on goal difference, making their final two matches must-wins to secure a direct spot at the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With over a decade of dominance in the Premier Soccer League by clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, many wonder why national team admin remains so sloppy. This article dives into the personality’s pointed critique, the FIFA ruling details, SAFA’s response and appeal plans, impacts on qualification, fan outrage, and calls for reform in South African football.
The Commentator’s Harsh Verdict: SAFA’s Negligence Exposed
The football voice didn’t hold back, saying the ruling was no shock given clear rules, but pinned the blame squarely on SAFA’s poor handling. “Am I surprised that we have been found guilty,NO I’m not surprised,it is clear in the rules and nothing surprising me there. As usual SAFA’s negligence has got us here and as usual no one is going to take the responsibility for this.If Safa can’t run a simple administrative issue of keeping players records,why are we surprised in the way they run football in the country, there is serious problems and lack of accountability from Safa.”
He predicted SAFA’s next moves with spot-on cynicism: “This is what they are going to do. 1.They are going to shift the blame and try appeal the desicion because they are embarrassed,but will never take responsibility. 2.The person responsible for this mess will never be dealt with, is going to be business as usual. 3.No formal apology will be coming from Safa about this, they are going to keep quite and operate as if nothing happened.”
Wrapping up, he lamented the lack of fresh leadership: “Again SAFA’s bad running of soccer in the country is there for everyone to see, but nothing is going to happen to them and no one will take responsibility on this. We have been saying that SAFA needs new energy and people to run it, but everytime we raise our voices, we become targets… KE EO HEE SAFA YA RONA.”
This rant echoes widespread gripes about SAFA’s track record, from qualification misses to admin flops that have plagued Bafana for years.
FIFA’s Ruling: Ineligible Mokoena Costs Crucial Points
The world governing body ruled that South Africa breached regulations by fielding Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in prior qualifiers, triggering a one-match ban. The 2-0 victory over Lesotho on 21 March 2025 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane has been overturned to a 3-0 forfeit defeat, stripping three points and adjusting goal differences. SAFA also faces a CHF 10,000 fine, roughly R215,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
Lesotho’s protest, lodged soon after the game, led to a lengthy review before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed the sanction. Similar cases have hit other nations, like Bolivia in 2016, showing FIFA’s strict stance on eligibility. For Bafana, it’s a gut punch after a strong campaign under coach Hugo Broos.
SAFA’s Response: Apology, Reflection, and Appeal Push
SAFA issued a public apology, owning the “administrative oversight” and its impact. “We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign,” they stated. They confirmed plans to appeal, having requested FIFA’s written reasons to file within the 10-day window under disciplinary rules.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also weighed in, calling it an embarrassment but urging support for the team. SAFA’s Lydia Monyepao had downplayed worries pre-ruling, but now the focus shifts to the appeal’s chances, which hinge on proving procedural flaws.
Qualification at Risk: Updated Standings and Must-Win Games
The deduction drops Bafana from 17 to 14 points, tying them with Benin but behind on goal difference (+3 vs. +4). Lesotho gains three points, moving to six. The group now stands:
- Benin: 14 points, GD +4
- South Africa: 14 points, GD +3
- Nigeria: 11 points, GD +2
- Rwanda: 11 points, GD 0
- Lesotho: 6 points, GD -5
- Zimbabwe: 4 points, GD -6
With games against Zimbabwe (away) and Rwanda (home) in October, Bafana needs six points to hit 20 and likely top the group. Benin faces Rwanda and Nigeria, offering chances for slips. Africa gets nine direct World Cup spots plus playoffs, so second place still offers hope.
Fan Outrage: Demands for SAFA Overhaul
Supporters are fuming, with many echoing the commentator’s call for new blood at SAFA. Social media rants label it “avoidable” and demand sackings: “SAFA’s incompetence is legendary.” Others mix anger with optimism: “Hard luck Bafana… You will still qualify!! Double your efforts.”
Unions and ex-players have joined the chorus, urging accountability to rebuild trust. One fan predicted: “After 3 points deduction log will look like this… Bafana beat Zimbabwe then play draw with Rwanda we qualify with 18 points.”
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za