Investec ambassador: Teboho Mokoena

Which teams have you played for, and in which position?

I started my professional career at SuperSport United, which is now called Siwelele. I’m a central midfielder, currently playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. I joined Sundowns in 2022 and made my debut for the national team in 2018.

Tell us about your upbringing and how it shaped you, both as a person and a footballer.

I grew up in Bethlehem, in the township. My dad was a professional footballer for Free State Stars, but my biggest role model has always been my mom. She raised me as a single mother and made sure I had soccer boots and school shoes, even when it meant she had to go without. I didn’t understand why she had to wear flip-flops when it was winter. Now I realise she couldn’t afford to buy takkies. Although it wasn’t bad. We could afford a “decent” life by township standards. 

My mother was strong and resilient. There's an old saying, "a woman holds the knife at the sharp edge". I knew I wanted more when I grew up. I started selling sweets in Grade 4 to help save money, and she even opened a bank account for me. For four years, I sold sweets to make some extra money. 

When did you first start playing football?

I started playing at the age of seven for a local team called Juveniles, on a field called Aston Villa. Back then, I played as a right winger because I was quick, and I still am. I loved dribbling, taking shots and scoring “screamers”. From the start, I wanted to achieve more than my dad had and create my own legacy. Especially now that I have a son, I want him to see how hard I worked to get where I am in life. 

In Grade 9, I joined Harmony Academy, and that’s when life started to open up for me. I signed with SuperSport United in 2015 and started earning a salary. That’s when I realised football could change my life.

Who else has inspired you in your life?

My late grandfather was a huge influence. He was a respected man who didn’t demand it but earned it through the way he carried himself. My mom, too. Her resilience taught me to work hard and never make excuses. I’ve also been inspired by my father’s career and the lessons he learned in football.

How do you maintain balance between your personal life and career?

On the field, I’m aggressive and competitive. Off the field, I’m just a guy from Kasi who loves being with friends and family. I don’t like being called a celebrity.  I prefer being treated like a normal person. Respect goes both ways, so I treat others the way I want to be treated.

Which players do you look up to?

Cristiano Ronaldo is my role model. I admire his mental toughness, his work ethic, and how he improved himself over the years. He’s also business-minded, with ventures beyond football. Locally, Themba Zwane has been a benchmark for professionalism. I looked up to him when I was at Siwelele, and now I’m fortunate to play alongside him.

Why is financial literacy important to you?

As athletes, many of us come from backgrounds where we weren’t taught how to manage money. Without financial literacy, it’s easy to spend on things we don’t need. Fancy cars, fancy houses. And then when you retire, you can’t sustain your lifestyle. I made a lot of mistakes when I got my first pay cheque. It’s important to be able to ask for help. At least now I feel I’m on the right track. Partnering with Investec helps me make better financial decisions and build a sustainable future.

What does building a legacy mean to you?

It means creating something that lasts for my family and my son. I want my child to look back and know his father worked hard to give him the best life possible.

What values do you hope to pass on to your son?

Love and kindness. Our parents didn’t often say “I love you” or show affection, but I want my son to grow up knowing love and sharing it with others. Happiness is love.