Mokoena Reveals Grandfather's Presence Behind South Africa Anthem Tears

June 25, 2026 3 min read

Teboho Mokoena has broken his silence on the emotional moment that moved South Africans during the national anthem, telling reporters he felt his grandfather's presence in the stadium.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder delivered the heartfelt explanation days after the incident sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms in South Africa.

The Moment That Moved a Nation

During a recent international match at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, cameras captured Mokoena with tears streaming down his face as the South African national anthem played. The image quickly spread across South African media, with citizens speculating about what had stirred such a powerful reaction from the Bafana Bafana player.

Mokoena finally addressed the moment on Tuesday, speaking to journalists at the South African Football Association headquarters in Johannesburg. He described the experience as deeply personal and connected to his family's history with South African football.

"When the anthem started playing, I felt my grandfather's presence right there with me," Mokoena told reporters. "He was a man who loved this country deeply, and he passed that love for Bafana Bafana to everyone in our family."

Family Legacy in South African Football

The midfielder explained that his grandfather was a regular supporter of the national team, attending matches whenever health permitted until his passing several years ago. Mokoena revealed that the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage had always been a dream he shared with his grandfather.

South African Football Association officials confirmed that Mokoena has been a consistent presence in the national squad over the past three years, earning his first senior cap in 2021 during a friendly against Uganda.

Growing Role in the National Team

At 27 years old, Mokoena has become a key figure in Bafana Bafana's midfield, with head coach Hugo Broos describing him as "essential to our plans" for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The player's club form with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has won three consecutive DStv Premiership titles, reportedly influenced his selection for the national team.

His emotional display resonated particularly strongly given that South Africa's national team has undergone significant rebuilding following a disappointing showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Public Reaction and Support

South Africans responded with overwhelming warmth to Mokoena's explanation. The video of his interview amassed over two million views within 24 hours on various social media platforms, with thousands of comments sharing similar stories of family members who cherished the national anthem.

The South African Football Association released a brief statement praising the player's honesty. "Football has always been more than a sport in South Africa," the statement read. "It connects generations, and Teboho's words remind us why representing this nation means so much to our players."

Looking Ahead

Mokoena is expected to feature prominently when Bafana Bafana face off against Nigeria in an international friendly scheduled for next month. South African supporters will be watching to see whether the emotional moment signals a new chapter of deeper national pride within the squad.

The team will also turn attention toward the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, where South Africa currently sits third in their qualifying group behind group leaders Nigeria.

For Mokoena, the focus remains on honouring his grandfather's memory through continued performances in the green and gold. "Every time I sing the anthem, I sing it for him," he added before concluding his interview.