Teboho Mokoena’s EFF shout-out at OR Tambo draws praise from Malema and EFF MPs

Hero’s welcome at OR Tambo

The squad returned on Thursday, 2 July, to a hero’s welcome at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Players addressed gathered supporters alongside Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, SAFA President Danny Jordaan and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Mokoena’s comment and reactions

During the address, Mokoena who scored against Czechia during the World Cup group stage told the crowd:

“Thank you for the support.”

He then added:

“EFF, Ngiyabona [I see you]”.

The EFF retweeted the message. EFF MP Naledi Chirwa praised Mokoena and the rest of the national team as a

“bunch of winners”

, and EFF leader Julius Malema responded to a tweet defending the player for

“loving the EFF”

🚨Must Watch🚨@BafanaBafana star, Teboho Mokoena recognizing the presence of the EFF at OR Tambo International this morning.#BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/4cAESYMFYg

EFF Gauteng (@EFFGautengProv) July 2, 2026

🚨Must Watch🚨@BafanaBafana star, Teboho Mokoena recognizing the presence of the EFF at OR Tambo International this morning.#BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/4cAESYMFYg

EFF Gauteng (@EFFGautengProv) July 2, 2026

Past praise for Malema

The report notes this was not the first public expression of support from Mokoena. After Bafana Bafana’s return from AFCON in 2024, Mokoena told supporters:

“He’s my favourite president in the country. This is the proudest moment in my life and for my family. Keep on supporting us, and we’ll keep on doing our best”.

Bafana Bafana, a bunch of winners, is back home ♥️ Tebogo Mokoena gives EFF shout out!

😂♥️🫶🏾👆🏾 pic.twitter.com/a3qdZWuKLd

Fighter 🇵🇸 🇸🇩 (@NalediChirwa) July 2, 2026

I bet if he shouted the ANC or any other political party you would not have had any problem. His only crime is loving the EFF. sies

Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) July 3, 2026

Local note

The exchange unfolded in Johannesburg at OR Tambo, drawing attention from both sports fans and political figures after the national team’s homecoming.