Head coach of South Africa Hugo Broos has given his opinion on the three points deduction slammed on his team in the world cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
South Africa were docked three points by FIFA , three goals by FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena who was supposed to be suspended for the 2-0 win over Lesotho, when he was supposed to be suspended after picking up two previous yellow cards.
The decision means South Africa are now second on goal difference to Benin Republic heading into the last round of games. A situation that leaves them with no margin for error in their final two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda respectively.
Reacting to what has potentially given a boost and advantage to the quest of Benin Republic and third placed Nigeria, who are just three points behind. The coach said it’s still in their hands provided they win their both games
“I know everything that happened in the last two weeks, but we’re still alive. There is nothing changed, after the game against Nigeria we were three points ahead. We still had to win our last two games”, he said at the press conference where he unveiled the list of invited players for their final two games of the series.
“Why believe Benin will win their last two games and we not. I don’t understand why people start doubting, and say we can’t qualify anymore.
“People have to stop now to look for who is responsible, we all know he made a mistake. But between the first match and the second there were 16 months, we also played AFCON.
“Who is responsible, it’s clear, ‘ . My staff is resposible, the coaching staff is responsible, the player is resposible and SAFA administration is responsible.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
