Cardoso Raises Eyebrows Over Mokoena’s Late Suspension Before Pirates Match

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed surprise at the timing of Teboho Mokoena’s yellow card in their last league match — one that ruled the midfielder out of this weekend’s Betway Premiership showdown against Orlando Pirates.

Mokoena will miss the highly anticipated clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday after picking up his third yellow card of the season in the final minute of Sundowns’ 1-0 loss over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium last month.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Cardoso questioned the circumstances of the booking that led to Mokoena’s suspension.

“It’s very interesting that you bring up Teboho’s situation,” Cardoso said with a chuckle, drawing laughter from the media. “It’s also very interesting that in the last minute of our match against Golden Arrows, he got a yellow card — when our next game is against Pirates.”

Mokoena has been a key figure for Sundowns, scoring two goals in his last three matches against Orlando Pirates, including one in their 4–1 victory in the reverse fixture last season at Loftus Stadium.

Mokoena’s Tough Year After Bafana Bafana Controversy

Cardoso also spoke candidly about the difficult period Mokoena endured earlier this year after FIFA docked Bafana Bafana three points in the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho in March.

Mokoena had been ineligible to play that match, having received his second yellow card in the qualifiers against Zimbabwe, which triggered a one-match suspension. Despite that, he featured against Lesotho — leading to South Africa being penalized and Lesotho awarded a 3–0 win.

The punishment saw Bafana Bafana drop from the top of Group C, replaced by Benin heading into the final two qualifiers.

However, Hugo Broos’ men recovered impressively, beating Rwanda 3–0 in their final match, while Nigeria’s victory over Benin helped South Africa reclaim top spot and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I think it’s clear to everyone that Teboho went through a difficult moment in his personal life because of that situation,” Cardoso said.

“No one would like to have their name spoken about in such a negative context, especially when they had no responsibility in the matter. Unfortunately, that incident will always be linked to him.”

Cardoso added that Mokoena has since shown great character in overcoming the setback.

“After Bafana Bafana qualified for the World Cup, it was clear that Teboho was a different man,” he said. “He looks happy again, he’s smiling, and I believe the best of Teboho will come back in the next matches. He’s a leader for us, an important player, and too much as a boy — the father of the family.

“He wasn’t a happy man in recent months, but we can’t speak about that anymore [because Bafana Bafana have qualified for the World Cup].”