Teboho Mokoena: Mamelodi Sundowns Star Reveals Pain of Losing Grandfather and Brother’s Stabbing

• Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena revealed he passed a late fitness test before the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates
• Mokoena disclosed that his grandfather died two weeks ago and his brother was stabbed multiple times the day before a Bafana Bafana match
• The 29-year-old South African international dedicated Sundowns' 2-0 victory to his hospitalised brother, saying he hoped justice would be served

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena put aside devastating family circumstances to play a decisive role in his side's 2-0 MTN8 final win over Orlando Pirates at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final whistle, Mokoena disclosed that he had been dealing with the death of his grandfather and the near-fatal stabbing of his brother in the weeks leading up to the match.

"It's been tough two weeks for me; I lost my grandfather two weeks ago," Mokoena said. "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'd like to dedicate this game to him. He is in the hospital bed. I hope justice will be served."

Read also

Why Abdeslam Ouaddou benched Oswin Appollis in Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 final loss to Sundowns

**Mokoena Opens the Scoring Despite Late Fitness Test**

The 29-year-old, who also passed a late fitness assessment before kick-off, broke the deadlock in the first half. Iqraam Rayners then converted a penalty in stoppage time to seal the trophy for Sundowns, their first MTN8 title since 2021 and first domestic cup since 2022.

Mokoena's evening had a difficult moment midway through the second half when he conceded a penalty after shoving Yanela Mbuthuma inside the box. However, Ghampani Lungu failed to convert, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams producing a decisive save to preserve the clean sheet.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso singled out both Mokoena and Williams for praise following the result.

Mokoena: "Inside I'm Not Really Okay"

Despite maintaining his composure throughout the tournament and on the international stage with Bafana Bafana, Mokoena admitted the emotional toll has been significant.

"I'm happy that we won, but inside I'm not really okay because it's sad what happened to my family, and you always have to show up doesn't matter how you're feeling," he said.

Read also

Former Kaizer Chiefs star reveals emotional challenge of leaving Amakhosi for Mamelodi Sundowns

"I dedicate this game to him, my brother, and I hope he recovers."

Source: Briefly News