World Cup: Mokoena Scores, Cites Grandfather's Memory for Emotional Anthem Tears

South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored a vital penalty to help his team secure a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, keeping their World Cup hopes alive. However, Mokoena will be suspended for the next crucial group stage match against South Korea after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament in the first half.

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I never thought I would step onto the World Cup stage and even score. This goal is like icing on the cake. There were a lot of emotions today; as a team, we are proud of ourselves.

Mokoena, who plays for South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, converted an 83rd-minute penalty after the Czech Republic conceded a handball. This goal earned South Africa a point, maintaining their chance to advance from the group stage, a feat they have not achieved in their three previous World Cup appearances.

"I never thought I would step onto the World Cup stage and even score," Mokoena said after the match. "This goal is like icing on the cake. There were a lot of emotions today; as a team, we are proud of ourselves."

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I don't feel like I've let the team down. Everything I did was for the team. Whoever replaces me will be representing us South Africans, and we need everyone.

Reflecting on his upcoming suspension, Mokoena expressed understanding and solidarity. "I don't feel like I've let the team down. Everything I did was for the team. Whoever replaces me will be representing us South Africans, and we need everyone," he stated.

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I thought of my deceased grandfather. I knew that wherever he is now, he would be proud of me. In that moment, I felt his presence.

During the pre-match national anthem, Mokoena was visibly emotional, shedding tears. He later explained that his tears were prompted by thoughts of his late grandfather. "I thought of my deceased grandfather. I knew that wherever he is now, he would be proud of me. In that moment, I felt his presence," Mokoena shared. He added that his grandfather, along with his mother and son, were his biggest believers, and standing on the World Cup stage representing South Africa in a packed stadium was a dream come true.

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He must be proud of me. When no one believed in me, he believed in me. Besides him, only my mother and my son believed in me. Thinking that we are standing here now, representing South Africa in the World Cup in a full stadium, my heart is filled with mixed emotions. This is a dream come true.