Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has escaped serious injury after his vehicle crashed into a wall in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, over the weekend.
The incident happened near the intersection of Hertz Boulevard, opposite Emfuleni Estate, with the vehicle reportedly crashing into the wall of Trevasa Court.
What happened
Mokoena was driving home from a family gathering when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle while approaching a roundabout.
His car subsequently left the road and collided with the brick wall.
Mokoena later confirmed that the accident took place shortly after he had returned home from a week spent working with South African Football Association (SAFA) development structures.
He had been involved in the SAFA and FIFA Talent Development Scheme U15 Inter-Provincial Tournament at Marks Park in Johannesburg.
Mokoena was not seriously injured in the crash.
The exact circumstances that led to the collision have not yet been established.
Alcohol allegations not confirmed
Following the crash, allegations circulated that Mokoena may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police had not yet confirmed whether the incident had been formally reported or whether a case had been opened.
A decorated Bafana career
Mokoena, widely known by his nickname “Mbazo”, is one of the most recognisable defenders in South African football history.
Born in Boipatong, he began his football journey playing for local side Boipatong Real Rangers before making his way into professional football. He later joined the Ajax Amsterdam development system and went on to play in Europe.
His professional career included spells with Germinal Beerschot and Racing Genk in Belgium before he moved to Blackburn Rovers in England in 2004. At the time, Blackburn agreed a reported R6.7 million transfer fee with Genk for the South African defender.
Mokoena made his Bafana Bafana debut in 1999 and eventually became one of the national team’s most experienced players.
Captain of Bafana Bafana
Mokoena was appointed Bafana Bafana captain in 2008 and led the national team during a significant period that included the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
He also became the first South African player to reach 100 international caps.
Mokoena ultimately finished his international career with 107 appearances for South Africa, making him the country’s most-capped men’s international footballer.
He captained Bafana in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup against Mexico at Soccer City, where South Africa secured a 1-1 draw.
He also played in South Africa’s matches against Uruguay and France during the tournament.
From footballer to development work
Following his playing career, Mokoena remained involved in South African football.
He has worked in coaching and football development and has been involved with SAFA’s scouting and development structures. He is also associated with the Aaron Mokoena Sport Academy and has worked as a television football pundit.
His involvement in the SAFA and FIFA youth development tournament in Johannesburg last week reflects his continued work in developing young football talent.
Police are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether any other vehicles or people were involved and whether any offences were committed.
