The saga surrounding Bafana Bafana being docked points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, is threatening to unleash ramifications which might have adverse consequences.
Safa was fined more than R200,000 for fielding Mokoena in the 2-0 World Cup group qualifying win over Lesotho in March, a result which has since been changed to a 3-0 victory for the Mountain Kingdom.
This has led to Bafana surrendering the top spot in the log to Benin, though they still have the same number of points.
Though the match took place six months ago, Fifa released the sanction only this week, subjecting the Group C nations to mixed emotions.
Benin, who have moved to the top of the group due to a better goal difference, understandably complained about the long delay which they feel negatively affected the game plan in their 0-2 loss to SA in March.
One wonders which grounds of appeal Safa will use in a case of one of its own staff members being asleep on the job
Benin argued they would have played for a draw had the sanction been implemented earlier.
Safa is yet to take internal disciplinary action against the staff member responsible for the bungle, widely cited as Bafana team manager Vincent Tseki.
Instead, the national soccer body says it will appeal against the sanction, a promise which has been dismissed as diverting attention for its bungle.
One wonders which grounds of appeal Safa will use in a case of one of its own staff members being asleep on the job and subjecting the country to embarrassment.
This is probably one of the reasons sports minister Gayton McKenzie promised to conduct his own investigation into the matter.
However, McKenzie will have to be tacit when intervening in Safa operations as that could make matters worse.
Fifa forbids government interference in soccer federations’ operations and McKenzie’s involvement could lead to further punishment, including a ban.
But Bafana still have their fate in their own hands as they have two games at home this month to wrap up qualification for North America.
They play Rwanda in Mpumalanga to exact revenge for the 2-0 loss they suffered away in November 2023 and bottom nation Zimbabwe in Durban.
They are expected to win both games with an avalanche of goals to make up for the inferior goal difference.
On the other hand, Benin have a tougher run against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Daily Dispatch
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