Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has explained why he became emotional during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Czech Republic.
The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in their second group-stage match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the USA.
Mokoena scored Bafana’s only goal, equalising after Michal Sadílek had given the European side the lead in the first half.
Speaking after the game, Mokoena revealed why he was seen crying while singing the national anthem.
He said he was overwhelmed with emotion as he thought about his late grandfather, who always believed in him, as well as his mother, his son and everyone who believes in him.
He further stated that he realised he was living his dream, playing in a sold-out stadium at the World Cup.
“When I was overwhelmed, I was thinking of my late grandfather, I know wherever he is, he’ll be proud of me,” Mokoena said, as per FIFA.com.
“I just felt his presence at that moment, I knew if he was here, he would be proud of me cause I know he believed in me when nobody believed in me.
“I thought of my mom, my son – like the people who believe in me, I was so emotional, thinking that we’re playing in the World Cup, sold out South Africa against Czech.
“As a kid, I never thought I would be here, scoring that goal was a cherry on top. I was emotional it’s a dream come true.
“I’m living my dream as a kid from Bethlehem, I know everyone back home is happy.”
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