Malema Defends Bafana Star Mokoena After EFF Shout-Out

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Bafana Bafana's Teboho Mokoena has gone viral on social media for sending another public shout-out to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The football hero's comments were made during the Bafana Bafana's return from the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, 2 July, to a hero's welcome at OR Tambo.

And this is not the first time Teboho Mokoena has publicly praised the EFF. After Bafana Bafana's return from AFCON in 2024, Mokoena was among several players who expressed their appreciation to EFF leader Julius Malema for supporting the national team. He said: “He's my favourite president in the country. This is the proudest moment in my life and for my family. Keep on supporting us, and we’ll keep on doing our best.” Despite his praise, Mokoena plays for a club that Malema does not support – Mamelodi Sundowns.

In fact, the EFF leader – who is an ardent Orlando Pirates fan – has often criticised Sundowns owner, Patrice Motsepe.

Mokoena's shout-out prompted many sports fans to criticise the Bafana player for bringing up politics, particularly his support for the EFF. Malema himself responded to a tweet, defending the soccer star for “loving the EFF.” Notable figures like Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and SAFA President Danny Jordaan were present at the welcome event but chose not to comment on Mokoena's EFF shout-out.

But Malema's response has been met with a mixture of reactions, with some praising him for standing by the young football star, while others have questioned Mokoena's decision to bring politics into sports.

The EFF has gained a significant following in South Africa, and Mokoena's shout-out has further cemented the party's influence in the country's sports landscape. The Bafana Bafana star's comments have sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in sports, and whether athletes should use their platforms to express their political views.

The EFF has been a key player in South African politics for several years, advocating for radical economic transformation and land reform. The party's influence has been felt in various sectors, including sports, where they have used their platform to promote their ideology.

It's worth noting that Mokoena's comments have implications for the Bafana Bafana team, which has a significant following in South Africa. The team's players are expected to keep their personal views and opinions separate from their sports endeavors, and Mokoena's shout-out has raised questions about whether he has compromised the team's unity.

The controversy surrounding Mokoena's comments has also sparked a debate about the role of sports in promoting social and political change. Some argue that sports can be a powerful tool for promoting social justice and challenging the status quo, while others see it as a separate sphere that should be isolated from politics.

The incident highlights the complexities of politics in sports and the need for athletes to be mindful of their actions and comments. Mokoena's shout-out has been interpreted as a sign of his loyalty to the EFF and its ideology, which has been met with both praise and criticism.