Safa need to ditch the Fifa appeal, and take responsibility for Mokoena blunder

Fresh off the announcement that Fifa would be docking points from Bafana Bafana in their World Cup qualifier, the SA Football Association (Safa) immediately retaliated, stating that they would be appealing the ruling.

Surely though, should Safa not be more concerned about taking responsibility for the blunder than going on the offensive and taking on the world footballing body?

For me, it just looks bad.

In a 279-word statement released by Safa on Monday, nowhere does Safa accept responsibility for Bafana fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.

Mokoena’s Suspension Leads to Bafana’s Penalty and Shift in World Cup Qualification Hopes

Mokoena had picked up a one-match suspension ahead of the Lesotho match. Bafana went on to win the clash 2-0, but have now been penalised for playing Mokoena and credited with a 3-0 defeat.

This radically alters Bafana’s position as they are deducted three points and have five goals taken away in their goal difference.

It means Benin are now top, also on 14 points with South Africa. Benin’s goal difference is better by one, so from being heavy favourites to book their automatic World Cup spot, Bafana will now have to hope the final two fixtures go their way.

Safa’s Apology Falls Short: Accountability and Systemic Negligence in Question

While Safa did offer an apology, it still fell short of being held accountable when it said: “We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.”

That sounds like “Don’t be made at Safa, just focus on support Bafana.” I’d like the option to do both if that’s okay Safa?

It also sounds like someone in the Bafana camp might be blamed (probably team manager Vincent Tseka), instead of Safa who should ultimately be responsible for the administration of the game and the national team.

As IOL Sport soccer writer, Smiso Msomi puts it perfectly: “The Mokoena blunder is not just an unfortunate oversight; it is a symptom of systemic negligence.”

How can it be that no one from Safa checked such a basic thing like player eligibility or suspensions ahead of a World Cup qualifier?

The controversies at Safa have been well documented over the years, and currently ActionSA is calling for the immediate resignation of Danny Jordaan due to this latest issue.

If Bafana do go on to qualify for the World Cup, there’s even less chance of Safa taking accountability. It’s therefore a win-lose either way: Bafana qualify and no one is held responsible. Or Bafana don’t qualify and someone, probably not an individual nowhere near as powerful as Jordaan, is scaepgoated.

Will Safa do the right thing? I have my doubts.

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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