Teboho Mokoena: Growing Through Adversity and Leading by Example

In the world of sports, the road to greatness is seldom a straight one. Athletes like Teboho Mokoena, a midfielder for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, exemplify resilience in the face of adversity. The recent FIFA World Cup qualifying debacle, which almost cost the South African national team a chance at glory, became a pivotal moment for Mokoena—not just in terms of personal challenges but also as a lesson in unity, personal growth, and leadership.

Navigating the Storm: The Lesson of Suspension

In March, Mokoena found himself enduring one of the most trying phases of his career. Despite being suspended, he played against Lesotho, leading to a retrospective deduction of three points that placed Bafana Bafana’s World Cup aspirations in jeopardy. This incident not only brought public scrutiny and fan criticism but also led to internal blame pointing towards management. Teboho bore the brunt of a situation that was far from solely his fault, revealing a harsh reality for players in high-stakes environments.

“It’s been haunting me,” Mokoena shared about the pressure of possibly missing out on the World Cup. The weight of the mistake affected not only his performance but also seeped into his personal life, leading to a struggle to express his feelings to family and friends who were concerned about the criticism he was facing. This experience transformed Mokoena’s perspective on mental health within sports, highlighting the need for openness about struggles—a conversation often swept under the rug in professional athletics.

Building a Support System: The Role of Teammates

Amidst the turmoil, support from teammates like Sipho Mbule became invaluable to Mokoena. Growing up in Bethlehem, their shared history as friends and footballers allowed a unique bond to flourish, especially in difficult times. Mbule’s own challenges, including criticism over off-field behavior, have only deepened their rapport. “We reach out about anything we go through in our careers and personal lives,” Mokoena noted, showcasing the importance of a robust support network.

This shared understanding has led Mokoena to adopt a caring role within the Bafana Bafana squad. By recognizing what he went through, Mokoena has committed himself to checking in on teammates who may also be grappling with their circumstances. The lesson here is clear: the strength of a team extends beyond the pitch to the emotional and mental well-being of its players.

The Challenge of Personal Growth: Balancing Expectations and Criticism

Mokoena’s journey hasn’t just been about dealing with external pressures; he has faced internal challenges too. Joining Mamelodi Sundowns and trying to earn his place in the team meant navigating the often-critique-ridden environment of high-profile football. Coach Rhulani Mokwena’s constructive feedback became a turning point for him; what could have been seen as criticism became a catalyst for growth. Mokoena learned the value of teamwork, understanding that every movement on the field has implications for building trust and credibility among his teammates.

“I just knew that everything that was happening to me was temporary,” he reflects, exemplifying an essential mindset in sports: resilience. Even when faced with doubt from coaches and fans, Mokoena’s belief in his abilities allowed him to rise above challenges. His willingness to engage in self-reflection and learn from situational setbacks has positioned him as a reliable player for Sundowns and the national team alike.

Giving Back: Financial Literacy and Life Lessons

As Mokoena continues to mature as a player, he recognizes the importance of giving back to the community that shaped him. In August 2025, he became an ambassador for Investec, focusing on financial literacy for young athletes. Drawing from his father’s struggles after retirement, he feels compelled to educate others about managing finances wisely—a subject that often remains an afterthought in the world of football.

Mokoena’s understanding stems from witnessing his late father’s challenges in securing financial stability post-career. “If he got the education or financial literacy that he needed while he was still playing, he would have taken wiser decisions,” he reflects, blending personal narrative with a broader societal message. He aims to ensure that the new generation of athletes are equipped with the necessary tools to handle the financial aspects of their careers, thus minimizing the pitfalls he observed.

In a landscape where mental health and financial stability are often overlooked, Mokoena’s proactive stance represents a shift in football culture. It reflects his journey from being a player merely focused on the game to a well-rounded individual who values personal growth, mental well-being, and a commitment to helping others navigate their paths—a philosophy the sporting world can greatly benefit from.