Mosimane hopeful injured Lebohang Maboe can stay with Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane says Lebohang Maboe will remain in camp despite suffering an ankle injury in Kaizer Chiefs’ league match against Golden Arrows.

Maboe reported for international duty but was sent for a scan after arriving at the squad’s camp. Mosimane said the midfielder had sustained a “niggling” injury and would be assessed before the team’s three matches.

Speaking before his first training session at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller stadium, Mosimane said the medical team had advised caution but remained hopeful Maboe could recover in time to play a part.

“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.

“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.”

South Africa will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

That match will be followed by a second qualifier against Eritrea in Cairo on the 30th of this month. Bafana Bafana will then face Egypt in an international friendly match on the fourth of next month.

The camp will therefore give Maboe the opportunity to recover before the squad’s scheduled fixtures, with the scan expected to provide a clearer indication of the seriousness of his injury.

Mosimane confirms technical team additions

Mosimane also confirmed changes to his technical staff, with former Sundowns and Golden Arrows goalkeeper Marcus Mashilo appointed as the team’s goalkeeper coach.

Veteran opposition analyst Goolam Valodia has also been seen in camp with the squad, while Mosimane confirmed the involvement of Tshepo Mahao.

Mahao, formerly of JS Kabylie, has joined the technical team as a senior match performance and data analyst.