Teboho Mokoena has established himself as the heartbeat of both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. Known affectionately as “Tebza,” the midfielder combines tireless work rate with a spectacular ability to score long-range screamers. His rise from the SuperSport United academy to becoming a pillar of the “Masandawana” dynasty highlights his status as one of the continent’s premier midfielders.
| FEATURE | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Name | Teboho Mokoena |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Date of birth | 24 January 1997 |
| Latest Club | Mamelodi Sundowns FC |
| Shirt Number | 4 |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| Market value | 2.50 mil. € |
Playing style: The complete engine room
Mokoena is a modern box-to-box midfielder who protects the defense while offering a potent threat in attack.
- 🚀 Long-range shooting: Possesses one of the most dangerous right feet in Africa, frequently scoring from well outside the box.
- 🛡️ Ball recovery: Uses his stamina and physical strength to break up opposition attacks effectively.
- 🧠 Tactical discipline: Reads the game exceptionally well, knowing when to hold position or surge forward.
- 🎯 Passing range: Acts as a deep-lying playmaker, switching play with accurate diagonals to wide players.
Professional career
From his early days in the Free State to lifting trophies in Pretoria, Mokoena’s career path has been defined by steady progression and loyalty. He spent his formative years building a reputation as a prodigy before making the blockbuster move to Chloorkop.
SuperSport United foundation
Mokoena joined the SuperSport United academy and quickly rose through the ranks. His senior debut in 2017 marked the arrival of a special talent in South African football. Under the guidance of various coaches, he became an indispensable part of the midfield, known for his consistency.
During his time at Matsatsantsa, he formed a formidable partnership with veteran Dean Furman. He helped the club win the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles. His spectacular goals often went viral, earning him the nickname “Goal of the Season specialist” among local fans.
Dominance at Mamelodi Sundowns
In January 2022, Mokoena made a high-profile transfer to cross-town rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. The move elevated his game to continental standards, placing him at the heart of a team chasing CAF Champions League glory. He adapted instantly, adding a new layer of tactical maturity to his explosive style.
He was named the PSL Footballer of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign, confirming his status as the league’s best player. Playing alongside fellow Bafana star Ronwen Williams, Mokoena has been central to Sundowns’ relentless domestic dominance and their triumph in the inaugural African Football League.
| Team (Appea.) | G/A/YC/RC |
|---|---|
| SuperSport United (167) | 17/17/23/0 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns (155) | 13/11/20/1 |
International achievements: AFCON and beyond
Mokoena has become the first name on the team sheet for the South African national team. His leadership was instrumental during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Bafana Bafana secured a bronze medal. He scored a stunning free-kick against Morocco in the Round of 16, a goal that remains one of the tournament’s highlights.
Before his senior success, he represented South Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He scored a memorable goal against France in a thrilling 4-3 encounter. His ability to perform on big international stages has attracted attention from scouts beyond the African continent.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| AFCON 2023 (Third Place) | 7 (2) |
| Olympics 2020 (Group Stage) | 3 (1) |
Clubs journey timeline
Mokoena’s loyalty is evident in his career path, having played for only two major clubs in the top flight. This stability has allowed him to develop into a complete midfielder without the distraction of constant transfers.
He transitioned from a promising youngster at SuperSport to a serial winner at Sundowns. His market value has soared as a result, making him one of the most valuable players in the Premier Soccer League.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 2016–2022 | SuperSport United |
| 2022–Present | Mamelodi Sundowns |