Mokoena’s emotional MTN8 revelation: ‘Inside I’m not really okay’
Teboho Mokoena produced a match-winning performance for Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final — but the midfielder has revealed he was carrying enormous personal pain behind the scenes.
Mokoena scored the opening goal as Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night to lift the MTN8 trophy for the first time since 2021.
Iqraam Rayners later sealed the victory from the penalty spot in stoppage time, ending Pirates’ four-edition reign as champions.
But Mokoena’s night was about much more than football.
The 29-year-old had already endured a difficult few weeks after losing his grandfather. He then faced another devastating blow when his brother was stabbed multiple times on the eve of Bafana Bafana’s clash with Guinea.
Mokoena himself had also been battling an injury suffered while on international duty and needed to pass a late fitness test before being cleared to play in the final.
Speaking emotionally to SuperSport TV after lifting the trophy, the Sundowns star revealed the heartbreaking circumstances he had been dealing with.
“You know, it’s been a tough two weeks for me. I lost my grandfather two weeks ago. I almost lost my brother, who got stabbed the day before we played Guinea. They stabbed him multiple times; it’s been tough, but I would like to dedicate this game to him. He is currently in a hospital bed. I hope justice will be served,” said Mokoena.
Despite everything happening in his personal life, Mokoena stepped onto the pitch and delivered when Sundowns needed him most.
The midfielder admitted, however, that the celebrations could not erase the pain he was carrying.
“I’m happy that we won, but inside I’m not really okay. It’s sad what happened to my family, you know. But you always have to show up, and it doesn’t matter how you are feeling. I dedicate this game to him, my brother. I hope he recovers,” Mokoena added.
For Mokoena, the MTN8 final was therefore more than another trophy. It was a performance dedicated to his brother as his family continues to deal with an incredibly difficult period.
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