Teboho Mokoena Divides Opinion With Shoutout to EFF Leader Julius Malema at Bafana Homecoming

• Teboho Mokoena was South Africa's star midfielder at the 2023 AFCON
• Bafana Bafana arrived home on Valentine's Day to a crowd wearing red
• EFF chief, Julius Malema, was praised by several players for his support

Football became a vehicle for politics when Bafana Bafana arrived home at OR Tambo International.

Dignitaries and political leaders welcomed the AFCON 2023 bronze medalists home in an arrivals terminal that resembled a political rally with its sea of red shirts and flags.

As they thanked the nation for their support while in Ivory Coast, a few of the Bafana Bafana players let slip their political leanings, which has prompted some debate.

2024 is shaping up to be a tense election year as South Africans head to the polls to elect their national government. ANC and EFF members welcomed home the AFCON heroes before the footballers said their thank yous.

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Football

Teboho Mokoena was the most prominent player to doff his political cap, describing Malema as his 'favourite President in South Africa'.

Defender, Grant Kekana, also had positive words for the controversial leader. This prompted fans to make some bold claims. Mr Handsome posted on X:

"Teboho Mokoena just became my favourite player. I might dump Kaizer Chiefs for Sundowns because of him. His favourite President Julius Malema is also my favourite politician in the world."

Political analyst, Jamie Mighti offered his thoughts, stating:

"The EFF really took over the Bafana Bafana welcome event... I am sure Fikile Mbalula and Zizi Kodwa are furious that the EFF took over their event."

Not all were impressed with the scenario, with @Pule_MF lamenting the hijacking of sport:

"Now politics are contaminating our soccer..."

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Football

A strong retort came from DrSweet_T, who concluded:

"If the EFF wants to celebrate Bafana Bafana, they will and must, that politics do not mix with football only exists in your naive imagination."

A date has not yet been set for the national elections, but the DStv Premiership circus rolls back into town on Friday night at 19:00, when SuperSport United play Stellenbosch FC.

Bafana arrive home to political supporters

Sports Brief recently reported on Bafana Bafana returning home to a wave of political interest.

The early arrival time may have deterred casual fans but many found justification to be present.

It has long been a tradition to welcome home South Africa's sporting heroes with vast support.