Bafana Bafana player Teboho Mokoena has shared the touching reasons why he wept during the performance of South Africa’s national anthem.
Just minutes later, the 29-year-old scored SA’s first FIFA World Cup goal, drawing against Czechia.
Mokoena was named the FIFA player of the match and praised for his passion for his country.
TEBOHO MOKOENA ON WEEPING DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
On social media, a close-up of Teboho Mokoena shedding tears during the national anthem captured the hearts of many South Africans.
After the match, the Bafana Bafana player was asked to describe how he felt during the touching moment.
He told reporters, “When I was overwhelmed, I thought about my late grandfather. I know wherever he is, he will be proud of me. I felt his presence at that moment. He believed in me when no one else believed in me. I was so emotional.
He continued: “We are playing at the World Cup, in a sold-out [match] against Czechia. I never thought as a kid that I would be here scoring that goal. It was a cherry on top. It’s a dream come true, I’m living my dream”
Mokoena was named the FIFA player of the match.
🇿🇦 “𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕖𝕝𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥…”
Bafana hero Teboho Mokoena opens up on the deeply personal reason behind his viral national anthem tears ahead of the Czechia draw.
The midfielder dedicates his massive World Cup moment to his late… pic.twitter.com/3hi7CxGeY5
— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) June 18, 2026
BETHLEHEM TO BAFANA
Teboho Mokoena has described his rise from a small town in Bethlehem to playing football for club Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team as a “dream come true”.
The footballer was raised by his single mother and grandparents, who sold what they could to make ends meet.
Unlike players from bigger cities, Mokena had to overcome financial challenges, limited opportunities, and competition from experienced players to get his big break.
He was scouted as a teen and secured a fully funded spot on a talent-development programme through the Harmony Sports Academy.
He has since started a foundation in his name which empowers the youth of Bethlehem through education, sporting and financial literacy programmes.
