Gayton on Mokoena EFF quip: ‘Political affiliation has no place’
· The South African
Gayton McKenzie has publicly responded to Bafana Bafana hero Teboho Mokoena’s comments praising the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader, Julius Malema. This comes after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula publicly admonished the player for his political endorsement while wearing the national team jersey.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.org for more information.
FIKILE CHASTISES TEBOHO MOKOENA OVER EFF COMMENTS
On his X account, Fikile Mbalula called out Teboho Mokoena over his comments praising the EFF.
He tweeted: “Disappointed with Mokoena and SAFA must be reprimanded, unbelievable. Don’t use our jersey to promote [the] EFF, do it at your leisure time”.
He continued: “Our athletes must be properly guided and be educated about patriotism. When you are a national team player and wear the jersey, you don’t have the liberty to pronounce on political preferences because the national team belong to all South Africans
“Can you imagine if Siya Kolisi were to tell us his political preferences, it would be a disaster”.
Fikile claimed he had spoken with SAFA president Danny Jordaan to “rein in” players like Teboho Mokoena.
“This Mokoena gimmick is a calculated move; we know where it comes from. It is deliberate and intentional. They did not do it when Sundowns won CAF. At your leisure, be free to support EFF and even attend their rallies, no qualms. Don’t abuse the national team that we will not allow”, he tweeted.
This Mokoena gimmick is a calculated move, we no were it come from it is deliberate and intentional. They did not do it when sundowns won CAF. At your leisure be free to support eff and even attend their rallies no qualms. Don't abuse the national team that we will not allow.
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 4, 2026
Our athletes must be properly guided and be educated about patriotism, when you are a national team player and wear the jersey u dont have the liberty to pronounce on political preferences bcos the national team belong to all South Africans, I did raise a matter with President Of…
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 4, 2026
Mbalula referred to a FIFA regulation which prohibits players from making political statements, particularly when playing for the national team.
“We can’t be silent when our national colours are being abused like this. The young man must start taking advice from our football legends, not a political party”, he added.
Mbalula claimed that his comments were not directed at the ANC, but at any political party.
I don't want any player or athlete to praise the Anc in national colors. I will rebuke them it is wrong national team is for all South Africans nothing stops them post national duty to voice or show their political colors. I rest my case.
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 4, 2026
GAYTON DEFENDS BAFANA PLAYER’S REMARKS
In the midst of Fikile Mbalula’s rant, Minister of GaySport Gayton McKenzie tweeted his own opinion.
He tweeted: “Political affiliation should have no place in our sport. Many are rightfully upset about Mrembulo acknowledging the Economic Freedom Fighters.
“The EFF came out in numbers, I greeted them publicly as well. The player intended no malice. The atmosphere was one of unity”.
WHAT DID TEBOHO MOKOENA HE SAY?
Shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana players gathered to address a crowd of supporters who gave them a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo on Thursday morning.
The national team was joined by Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, SAFA President Danny Jordaan, and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
During the address, Teboho Mokoena greeted the crowd.
The 29-year-old – who scored a goal against Czechia during the FIFA World Cup group match – told the crowd: “Thank you for the support.”
He cheekily added: “EFF, Ngiyabona [I see you]”.
Is Teboho Mokoena an EFF member? After previously calling Julius Malema his favorite president, he openly thanked the EFF at the Bafana Bafana welcoming. What do you think? 🤔 #Mokoena #Malema pic.twitter.com/eZhHAUmFgi
— peak world (@PeakWorld9) July 2, 2026