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Teboho Mokoena is set to represent South Africa on the continental stage.
As Bafana Bafana prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), pride is growing in the Free State township of Bohlokong. One of their own, Teboho Mokoena is set to represent South Africa on the continental stage.
Midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena joins the elite club of 50 caps as he starts against Zambia in Gqeberha today!!! Congratulations Tata!!!!#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/i2Fbb31qf7
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 15, 2025
Mokoena is the pride of Bohlokong township and part of the Bafana Bafana squad heading to Morocco for the AFCON, where South Africa will be looking to make a strong impression. From the dusty football fields of Bohlokong to the national stage, Mokoena’s football journey began at the local Juveniles football club. It was there that his talent was first spotted by his former local coach, Lechesa Miya.
“I saw Teboho at an early age. I think he was 10 years old and he was playing football outside on the streets. I thought this time there is nothing I can do, so I had to move those young guys to the ground to play football, rather than playing in the streets. I started putting them together. Teboho was marvelous, because the time he arrived he said, ‘coach, I am playing (position) 3,’ and I said, ‘how so?’ And started playing him in midfield, because I saw the way he plays. He can run and has energy and technique. Teboho has won us something we do not know if we are going get again, like playing in the national team from the streets of Bethlehem. He has consistency in football, discipline, is willing to work hard. Teboho would never let you down,” says former local coach, Lechesa Miya.
Through discipline and structure, Mokoena’s raw talent were shaped at Bodikela Junior Secondary School.
His teacher and school football coach, Charles Molefe, recalls being struck by both his skill and character.
“I discovered Teboho at Matswathaka School in the year 2009, when he was 12 years old. I was surprised to see a young and talented player like Teboho, very skilful. I started negotiating with him. Fortunately, his mother attended school in Bodikela, and it was very easy to talk to his parents for him to come and register in 2010, and the rest was history. He was humble and disciplined, because every time you gave him an instruction, he would do it quietly,” says teacher and school coach, Charles Molefe.
Behind Mokoena’s success is a mother who never stopped believing in him.
Manthati Mokoena says her support began long before professional football, from the dusty grounds of Bohlokong.
“As my child is going to Afcon, representing South Africa, I am a very proud mother. I have played an integral role in his football development, from the dusty grounds. I have always been with him, from the time he played for juveniles, to schools in Matswathaka and Bodikela, even when he moved to harmony, to SuperSport, until now, playing for Sundowns. I have always supported him in every game, and even now I am going to Morocco to support him,” says his mother, Manthati Mokoena.
For young football players in Bohlokong, Mokoena’s journey has become a source of motivation and belief that dreams can be achieved.
“He is a very disciplined player, very disciplined. So, I have been following him since I was young. I was checking his movements that he has done through his football career, moving from Bethlehem to Virginia, moving to SuperSport, so he is a humble player,” says a young football player.
From the streets of Bohlokong to the national team, Mokoena’s story belongs to an entire community.
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