As Bafana Bafana prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations Afcon, pride is growing in the Free State township of Bohlokong. One of their own, Teboho Mokoena is set to represent South Africa on the continental stage.
Mokoena is the pride of Bohlokong township and part of the Bafana Bafana squad heading to Morocco for the AFCON , where South Africa will be looking to make a strong impression. From the dusty football fields of Bohlokong to the national stage, Mokoenas football journey began at the local Juveniles football club. It was there that his talent was first spotted by his former local coach, Lechesa Miya.
I saw Teboho at an early age. I think he was 10 years old and he was playing football outside on the streets. I thought this time there is nothing I can do, so I had to move those young guys to the ground to play football, rather than playing in the streets. I started putting them together. Teboho was marvelous, because the time he arrived he said, coach, I am playing position 3, and I said, how so? And started playing him in midfield, because I saw the way he plays. He can run and has energy and technique. Teboho has won us something we do not know if we are going get again, like playing in the national team from the streets of Bethlehem. He has consistency in football, discipline, is willing to work hard. Teboho would never let you down, says former local coach, Lechesa Miya.
