Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has expressed his deep gratitude to former national team coach Stuart Baxter for giving him his first call-up to the senior team, a moment that he describes as life-changing. The 27-year-old, currently at Mamelodi Sundowns, began his career at SuperSport United’s academy and made his Premier Soccer League debut with the Tshwane-based club. Mokoena also represented South Africa at the U20 and U23 levels before being called up to the senior team.
Mokoena made his Bafana Bafana debut in March 2018 under Baxter’s leadership, and since then, he has earned 34 caps for his country, with a potential 35th cap on the horizon if he features in South Africa’s final AFCON qualifier against South Sudan. Reflecting on his career, Mokoena spoke with immense appreciation for Baxter’s role in shaping his journey.
“Baxter was the first person to give me the call-up and my debut at Bafana, and I was really emotional,” Mokoena shared. “I remember the day he left the team; I didn’t cry, but I felt very emotional. He changed my life because after that match, I became a regular at SuperSport United. Before that, I wasn’t playing regularly, but after that, Coach Eric or Coach Kaitano started giving me more opportunities.”
The midfielder also recalled that Baxter had once expressed interest in signing him during his coaching tenure elsewhere. Mokoena remains thankful for the support, guidance, and trust that Baxter showed him.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and the love he gave me,” Mokoena added, acknowledging that Baxter’s influence was pivotal in advancing his football career.
