Pitso Mosimane provides injury update on Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane says Lebohang Maboe has an ankle problem but will wait for the results of a scan before assessing whether the midfielder can take part in the national team’s upcoming fixtures.

Maboe, 32, joined the national team camp on Monday after being substituted early during Kaizer Chiefs’ goalless Betway Premiership draw away to Lamontville Golden Arrows at the weekend.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed after the match that Maboe’s withdrawal was caused by an injury.

The midfielder is now with Bafana Bafana ahead of back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. Those matches will be followed by an international friendly against Egypt in October.

Mosimane said the injury had been discussed with the team doctor, who advised that Maboe should be handled cautiously while further checks are carried out.

“He’s got a niggling ankle,” said Mosimane.

“You could see the injury 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.”

Maboe is scheduled to undergo a scan, with the results expected to establish the extent of the problem and indicate how soon he can return to full training.

“We have a three-week camp, right. So, he’s going for a scan, and then the scan will tell us how far he is. And I think he has worked hard to be in Bafana,” Mosimane said.

The coach said Maboe would understandably be frustrated by the timing of the injury, particularly because it occurred without contact from an opponent.

“He should be disappointed by the injury and no one kicked him. Sometimes it’s football, right. So, yeah let’s hope Lebo recovers and then go for it.”