Nairobi, Feb. 16 -- South Africa's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) hero Teboho Mokoena painted the welcome ceremony with a surprise stroke of political colour, expressing admiration for Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

"I am very happy to see Julius Malema. He is my favourite president in the country," said Mokoena.

The Bafana Bafana star midfielder, who is part of Confederation of African Football (Caf) Best XI for the just-ended tournament, uttered the remarks as the South African national team arrived back in the country at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Read: Afcon: S.Africa shock Morocco, Mali through to quarters

Just pas...