Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has revealed the personal tragedy he endured in the days leading up to the 2026 MTN8 final, explaining that he dedicated his match-winning performance to his brother, who remains hospitalised after being stabbed multiple times.
The 29-year-old delivered a crucial display as Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night to lift the MTN8 trophy for the first time since 2021.
However, behind the celebrations was a deeply difficult period for the South African international, who disclosed that he had recently lost his grandfather and feared losing his brother following a violent attack.
Mokoena Dedicates MTN8 Victory to Hospitalised Brother
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final, Mokoena revealed that his family had endured two painful weeks, including the death of his grandfather and the stabbing of his brother shortly before South Africa’s match against Guinea.
“You know, it’s been a tough two weeks for me. I lost my grandfather two weeks ago. I almost lost my brother who got stabbed the day before we played Guinea,” he said.
The midfielder explained that his brother had been stabbed several times and was still receiving hospital treatment when Sundowns faced Pirates in the cup final.
“They stabbed him multiple times, it’s been tough, but I would like to dedicate this game to him. He is currently in a hospital bed. I hope justice will be served,” Mokoena added.
His comments revealed the emotional burden he carried into one of the most important matches of Sundowns’ season.
Sundowns Overcome Pirates to Claim MTN8 Trophy
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding Mokoena, Sundowns produced a decisive performance to dethrone Orlando Pirates, who had retained the trophy for four consecutive editions.
Mokoena gave Masandawana the perfect start by opening the scoring in the 12th minute, putting pressure on the defending champions early in the contest.
Sundowns then defended their advantage before Iqraam Rayners converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to secure the 2-0 victory.
The result delivered the MTN8 title to Sundowns for the first time since 2021 and provided a memorable occasion for the midfielder, who played through considerable personal distress.
Midfielder Admits He Was Struggling Emotionally
Although Mokoena was delighted with the team’s success, he acknowledged that the victory could not erase the pain his family had experienced.
“I’m happy that we won, but inside I’m not really okay. It’s sad what happened to my family, you know,” he said.
The midfielder explained that professional football often requires players to perform regardless of their personal circumstances.
“But you always have to show up, and it doesn’t matter how you are feeling. I dedicate this game to him, my brother. I hope he recovers,” he added.
His remarks highlighted the contrast between the celebrations on the pitch and the private difficulties he was dealing with away from football.
Injury Concerns Added to Mokoena’s Difficult Fortnight
The family tragedy was not the only challenge Mokoena faced before the final.
The midfielder had also picked up an injury while representing Bafana Bafana during the recent international break. The setback occurred during South Africa’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.
The injury forced him to miss subsequent matches against Eritrea and Egypt, leaving his availability for the MTN8 final uncertain.
Mokoena ultimately had to pass a late fitness assessment before being cleared to feature against Pirates.
His decisive contribution in Durban came after a period in which both his physical condition and personal circumstances had presented significant challenges.
Sundowns Celebrate a Special Victory as Mokoena Hopes for Justice
Sundowns’ MTN8 triumph marked an important achievement for the club, ending their wait for the trophy since 2021 and bringing an end to Pirates’ four-edition run as champions.
For Mokoena, however, the occasion carried a meaning beyond the silverware. His opening goal helped set Sundowns on their way to victory, but his post-match comments showed that his thoughts remained firmly with his brother.
As his family continues to deal with the consequences of the attack, the midfielder has expressed hope that his brother will recover and that justice will be served.
