Mofokeng, Mokoena on South Africa's draw with Czechs that keeps World Cup hopes alive

Bafana Bafana will have to beat South Korea in their final Group A fixture on June 24 to stand a chance of advancing to the round of 32, though even that may not be enough defending on what happens in other matches. 

Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot after Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs an early lead.

Their second half showing was inspired by the introduction of Relebohile Mofokeng, who announced himself on the big stage with a fine performance. 

“The coach’s (Hugo Broos) instruction was that I must play behind the defensive midfielders because there was space there,” Mofokeng told SABC Sport. “In the first half, I think the Czechs did very well to find the spaces, but we needed more attacks. I think we did very well in the second half to attack them and put them under pressure, so I think we did very well.

“Obviously, it is my first World Cup and my first game, so the coach just told me to be confident and to believe in myself. He told me that he believes in me, so I must believe in myself.

“The game was very difficult because, obviously, this is a bigger stage. I think you just need confidence and you need to believe in yourself. The coach just said I must play, I must be myself and just do my best.”

South Africa had to deal with a more physical Czech side, but Mofokeng says that is when football intelligence comes in to play.

“I think you just need brains when people are more physical than you. You need to think more, move more, see the spaces quicker and get into the spaces quicker.

“It is very difficult for us because we are the youngest team and the shortest team, but I think we must just use our brains, our confidence and our quickness. I think we will do very well.

“We believed that we could win. We came here to win, so when Teboho converted the penalty, it gave us confidence and courage that we could win.

“We gave our all and we gave our best. We will keep on doing our best.”

Mokoena’s penalty came after he had received a yellow card which means he will have to sit out Bafana’s final pool fixture against South Korea with a one-match suspension, having also been booked against Mexico.

“I was relieved. I thought we could get another one because I think that is what we needed. We needed to score a goal so that it could open the way for other goals," Mokoena said.

“I was relieved, but unfortunately I won’t be there for the next game because I am suspended. So I was a little bit sad, and I was like, ‘You know what, let’s push for another one, please.’

“We wanted to go into the next game with three points, but unfortunately we could not. But I am proud of the team, the way we played and the way we showed up.

“I can also give credit to the supporters, who kept on cheering for us and giving us time.

“I think I played better with a yellow card because, you know, I am very crazy and I don’t pull out, so when I have a yellow card maybe I am a little bit more cautious.”

Mokoena says it has been a life-changing experience to be at the World Cup, whatever happens in the final fixture. 

“But it is an amazing experience to be at the World Cup. I know everyone back home is cheering for me. I have got so many messages from back home and I know they stayed up to watch me,” he said.

“It is amazing. I don’t know how I am feeling, I am just excited and I am living my dream. Thank you to everyone who has been sending messages from back home.”