Mosimane urges caution over Maboe ankle injury ahead of Bafana qualifiers

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe will not be rushed back after suffering an ankle injury in the club’s match against Golden Arrows at the weekend.

Maboe has joined the national squad ahead of South Africa’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by an international friendly against Egypt on October 4.

South Africa begin their qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena this Saturday before facing Eritrea in Egypt next Wednesday.

Mosimane confirmed that Maboe had undergone a scan to determine the extent of the problem. Although the midfielder is unavailable for immediate selection, he could still feature during the team’s three-match camp if he recovers in time.

The coach described the injury as a “niggling ankle” problem and said medical staff had advised caution with the Kaizer Chiefs player.

“He’s got a niggling ankle. You could see that the injury 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 told the media before Bafana Bafana’s training at University of Johannesburg this afternoon.

“We have a three week camp…he’s gone for scan. That scan will tell us how far he is. He has worked hard to be in Bafana, (so) he should be disappointed by the injury and no one kicked him. Sometimes it’s football. Let’s hope Lebo recovers.”

Maboe’s injury comes after he had worked to earn his place in the national team. Mosimane said the player would naturally be frustrated by the setback but stressed that the priority was to allow him sufficient time to recover.

Bafana Bafana have several midfield options available should Maboe be unable to take part in either of the qualifiers. Brooklyn Poggenpoel has been performing well for Durban City and is pushing for more regular international call-ups.

Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Siphephelo Sithole also offer Mosimane experienced alternatives in midfield as South Africa prepare for the matches against Guinea and Eritrea.