Bafana Bafana suffer Maboe injury blow as Moremi receives late call-up

Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been ruled out of the current international window after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Kaizer Chiefs.

The 29-year-old arrived in camp on Sunday night but was unable to continue after scans on Monday confirmed the extent of the problem. Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi has been called up as his replacement.

Bafana Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi said Maboe would not be available for the national team’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.

“He twisted his ankle while playing for Kaizer Chiefs and after undergoing a scan, he will be ruled out from the current camp and this FIFA window,” Dr Molobi said.

Maboe’s withdrawal is a setback for head coach Pitso Mosimane, who had included the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder in his squad for the opening qualifiers. His absence leaves Mosimane with one fewer option as preparations continue for Saturday’s match.

The national team has moved quickly to bring in Moremi, with a call-up letter sent to Orlando Pirates. The winger could now join the Bafana Bafana camp ahead of their first 2027 AFCON qualifying fixture.

The match against Guinea will be played at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 on Saturday. Bafana Bafana are aiming to begin their qualifying campaign with a positive result on home soil.

Moremi’s inclusion gives the Orlando Pirates player an opportunity to make an impression in the senior national team after Maboe’s late withdrawal. He will also hope the call-up leads to his Bafana Bafana debut.

Maboe’s injury comes at an unfortunate point, with the midfielder having been selected for Mosimane’s squad ahead of the opening fixtures. His arrival in camp on Sunday was followed by the medical assessment that confirmed he could not take part during this FIFA window.

Mosimane will now evaluate his remaining options before selecting his team to face Guinea. The coach’s immediate focus will be on preparing Bafana Bafana for the opening match of their qualification campaign, while Moremi awaits the chance to join the squad and compete for a place in the team.