Mosimane provides injury update on Chiefs midfielder Maboe in Bafana camp

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says Lebohang Maboe has a “niggling ankle” injury, but the midfielder remains with the national team while he awaits the results of a scan.

Maboe reported for international duty after being forced off during Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows on Sunday. The 32-year-old was substituted at half-time because of ankle discomfort, shortly after seeing his penalty saved.

Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard initially said the club’s medical team would assess Maboe from Sunday evening. Mosimane then provided a further update before Bafana’s first training session at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium on Monday.

“He has got a niggling ankle,” Mosimane said when asked about Maboe’s condition.

“You could see that with the injury he was not even kicked by anyone.

“So, it is tender.

“The doctor has briefed me that we should be careful with him.

“We have a three-week camp…the scan will tell us how far he is.”

Mosimane said Maboe’s return to the national team had followed considerable effort and that the player would be disappointed by the timing of the injury.

“He has worked hard to be in Bafana and should be disappointed by the injury as no one kicked him,” he said.

“Sometimes it is football, right.

“Let’s hope Lebo recovers and go for it.”

Bafana have assembled for a three-week camp ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as a friendly against Egypt.

Maboe’s call-up marks his return to the national side five years after his previous cap. He had been under contract at Sundowns for seven years before his recall by Mosimane.

The midfielder last played for Bafana in June 2021, at the beginning of Hugo Broos’ reign. Maboe was not on the bench for that match.

Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images