Lebohang Maboe to remain with Bafana Bafana despite ankle injury

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe will remain with Bafana Bafana while he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in Sunday’s 0-0 Betway Premiership draw with Golden Arrows, in which he missed a penalty.

Maboe reported for international duty on Monday but was sent for a scan after complaining of discomfort in his ankle. Head coach Pitso Mosimane said the injury was not the result of a challenge during the match.

Speaking before Bafana Bafana’s first training session at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium, Mosimane said the team’s medical staff had recommended a cautious approach with Maboe.

“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.

The midfielder has returned to the national-team set-up after impressing for Kaizer Chiefs and working his way back into contention. Mosimane has therefore decided against immediately releasing him to his club, instead keeping him in camp while the medical team establishes the seriousness of the problem.

Maboe’s condition will be assessed during what Mosimane described as a three-week camp. The coach remains hopeful that the player will recover in time to contribute during an international period that includes three matches.

South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26. Bafana Bafana will then travel to Egypt to play Eritrea on September 30, before meeting Egypt in a friendly on October 4.

Mosimane acknowledged that the injury would be particularly frustrating for Maboe after the midfielder had put in significant effort to earn his place in the squad.

“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.”

Maboe will remain with the national team for now as Bafana Bafana’s medical staff monitor his progress. The scan will establish the extent of the injury and whether the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder can play in any of the three fixtures.

The matches form Pitso Mosimane’s first international window since returning as Bafana Bafana coach.