Maboe injury delays Mosimane reunion in Bafana Bafana squad

Lebohang Maboe has been ruled out of Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad since returning as coach after suffering an ankle injury for Kaizer Chiefs.

The midfielder was hurt during Sunday’s goalless draw with Golden Arrows but still reported for international duty on Monday. He did not take part in training while awaiting medical assessments and was subsequently replaced by Orlando Pirates midfielder Tshepang Moremi.

Maboe’s withdrawal delays a reunion with Mosimane, who previously worked with him at Mamelodi Sundowns and regarded him as a key player. The 29-year-old had also missed out on Bafana Bafana’s World Cup squad, making the latest setback particularly disappointing.

“He has worked hard to be at Bafana. He should be disappointed with the injury,” Mosimane said before Maboe’s replacement was confirmed. “No one kicked him. But sometimes that’s football. Let’s hope Lebo recovers and goes for it.”

The pair developed a strong professional and personal relationship during their time at Sundowns, where they won several trophies, including the league championship.

Maboe’s energy, understanding of the game and ability to operate across midfield made him an influential member of Mosimane’s side. His performances helped Sundowns compete successfully in domestic and continental football.

Mosimane also publicly backed Maboe during the second half of the 2019/20 season, when the midfielder endured a spell without scoring.

“He was our top goal scorer last season, and he’s stressing this season, trying to score,” Mosimane said at the time. “He’s trying too hard to score and break the ice. I don’t have a problem with a boy who tries to score.

“His emotions are very high. His anxiety is so big in front of goal. Sometimes, the ball falls on his left foot, not his right foot. In the first half, it fell on his right. We’ll support him; he works hard. That’s why he’s in the starting lineup. It takes time. He’ll get there, maybe not this year; maybe next year.”

Maboe responded in the same campaign by scoring a hat-trick on the final day to secure the league title for Sundowns in a season interrupted by COVID-19. The result stunned log leaders Chiefs, the club he later rejoined after progressing through their youth ranks.

His return to the national team would have given Mosimane another experienced option in a competitive midfield containing Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.

Maboe’s combination of current form and experience would also have supported Mosimane’s approach of blending younger players with established leaders.

Bafana Bafana are due to regroup in November as they continue their qualification campaign for next year’s continental showpiece in the East Africa Pamoja region. Maboe will hope to regain full fitness and form at Chiefs before then and revive his partnership with Mosimane.