Musician and entertainer Oscar Mbo did not hesitate when asked to name the most marketable player in South African football during the Football IQ Show podcast. His answer? Teboho Mokoena.
The staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter was spot on. Mokoena boasts the most sponsorships among PSL top-flight players, including ambassadorships with Red Bull, Hyundai, and Investec.
However, beyond commercial appeal, Mokoena arguably stands as the league’s most prized talent. The 29-year-old is not only a vital figure for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana but also arguably the most complete player in the country.
As Sundowns defeated Siwelele 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night, extending their lead at the top of the standings to six points over Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand, Mokoena dictated the proceedings – once again.
In my view, he wasn’t the best player on the pitch simply because his trademark long-range strike rattled the crossbar, setting up Kutlwano Letlhaku for the opening goal with the tap-in; he was the heartbeat of the Sundowns engine room.
Mokoena controlled the tempo with ease, proving influential in both attack and defence. He consistently made dangerous runs into the final third while effectively breaking up opposition play.
While he wasn’t directly involved in the second goal – where Siyanda Ndlovu stole possession and scored – or the third, where Tashreeq Matthews found the net, Mokoena ensured the team maintained possession and balance throughout the match.
Interestingly, this form isn’t just a post-injury resurgence – he has scored three goals in six matches across all competitions since the start of the season – but a continuation of his high standard over the years, having numerously been nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, including last season.
Having taken his talents to the recent World Cup, where he helped Bafana Bafana reach the Round of 32, Mokoena remains a solid anchor. New coach Pitso Mosimane will certainly rely on him ahead of the Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month, as well as the international friendly against Egypt next month.
Mokoena was heavily linked with a move away from Sundowns during this transfer window, but it appears that transfer will not materialise. However, it should be pleasing for both his Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso, and his Bafana counterpart, Mosimane, that Mokoena looks happy and is enjoying his football – factors that only enhance his marketability and value.
