Lebohang Maboe ruled out of Bafana Bafana squad as Tshepang Moremi is called up

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad after suffering an ankle injury in the club’s match against Golden Arrows at the weekend.

Maboe arrived in the national team camp on Sunday night with the problem and underwent further assessment, including a scan, before being released from the squad.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane had initially selected the midfielder for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, along with the international friendly against Egypt on October 4.

South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on Tuesday that Maboe would miss the remainder of the camp and the current FIFA international window.

“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,” Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi told SAFA’s official website.

Maboe’s absence deprives Mosimane of an influential midfield option during a demanding period for the national side. The player had been assessed after arriving in camp, but the scan confirmed that he would not be able to take part.

Moremi added to squad

SAFA has sent a call-up letter to Orlando Pirates for midfielder Tshepang Moremi as Bafana Bafana strengthen their options following Maboe’s withdrawal.

“Mosimane confirmed that a call-up letter for Tshepang Moremi has been sent to Orlando Pirates,” part of the SAFA statement read.

Bafana Bafana will begin their schedule by hosting Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 15h00.

They will then travel to Egypt for their meeting with Eritrea next Wednesday.

Maboe’s withdrawal follows the ankle injury sustained during Kaizer Chiefs’ clash with Golden Arrows and means he will play no part in the national team’s fixtures during this international break.

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