Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe will remain with the squad despite picking up an ankle injury in Sunday’s league match against Golden Arrows.
Maboe reported for national-team duty on Monday but was sent for a scan after complaining of a niggling ankle problem.
Speaking ahead of Bafana’s first training session at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium, Mosimane revealed that the medical team had advised caution with the midfielder.
“He’s got a niggling ankle injury, you can see that he was never even kicked by anybody. So, it’s tender, the doctor has briefed me that we should be careful with him and give him a chance,” Mosimane said.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Maboe, who has worked his way back into the Bafana setup after impressing for Chiefs.
Rather than immediately sending him back to his club, Mosimane has opted to keep the midfielder in camp while the medical team assesses the extent of the problem.
The Bafana coach is also hopeful that Maboe could recover in time to play a role during the international window, with South Africa scheduled to play three matches.
Bafana will face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before travelling to Egypt to face Eritrea on September 30.
They will then face Egypt in a friendly on October 4.
Mosimane acknowledged the frustration Maboe is likely to feel, particularly after working hard to earn his place in the squad.
“We have a three week camp. So, he’s gone for a scan and the scan will tell us how far he is and I think he has worked hard to be in Bafana. He should be disappointed by the injury and no one kicked him. Sometimes it’s football, let’s hope Lebo recovers and go for it.”
For now, Maboe remains with the national team as Bafana’s medical staff assess his condition.
The scan will determine the extent of the injury and whether the Chiefs midfielder can feature in any of the three matches during Mosimane’s first international window since returning as Bafana coach.
