Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena has reunited with his "favourite" president Julius Malema, as the pair seemingly had their first reunion after embracing each other back in February after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Here's a look!
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Mokoena had his crowning moment as one of the finest midfielders on the continent after an incredible display at AFCON 2023. The 27-year-old was named in the Team of the Tournament, as he played every available minute during South Africa's run to a third-place finish at Africa's biggest showpiece.
Upon Bafana's return home from the competition in the Ivory Coast, the team was met with a warm reception by many South African fans at the OR Tambo International Airport, including politicians such as the Economic Freedom Fighters leader Malema.
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Mokoena was delighted to see EFF chief-in-command as he openly expressed that the leader was his favourite president.
"Ke thabile haholo ho bona, president Julius [Malema] (I'm overjoyed to see president Julius)," Mokoena said while addressing the crowd, according to TimesLive.
"He's my favourite president in the country. Thank you everyone for coming. This is the proudest moment of my life. Keep on supporting us and we will keep on doing our best. We will make the country proud."
Mokoena and Malema seemingly still hold a strong affinity for each other, as the former posted an image of him and the latter this on Instagram on Monday.
Curiously though, the playmaker was rocking Manchester City's 2023/24 away kit, which could be a sign of his allegiance when it comes to the Premier League.
Athletes mingling with politicians is by no means anything unusual as their worlds as public figures often intersects. While some may have found it controversial when Mokoena praised Malema in February, his actions seemed well within his rights, as he's merely a footballer and not a politician himself.
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