Lebohang Maboe’s return to the Bafana Bafana setup has been cut short by injury, with the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder ruled out of the current international window.
Maboe had only recently been recalled to the national team after spending several years away from the Bafana setup. He reported for camp on Monday despite suffering an ankle injury during Kaizer Chiefs’ league match against Golden Arrows on Sunday.
However, after undergoing further medical assessment, the midfielder has been withdrawn from the squad.
Maboe ruled out after ankle injury
Bafana Bafana medical staff assessed Maboe after he arrived at camp, with scans confirming that he would not be able to participate in the current FIFA window.
SAFA team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi confirmed the midfielder’s situation.
“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,” Molobi told SAFA.
The decision ends Maboe’s brief return to the national-team environment before he could make an appearance under head coach Pitso Mosimane.
Mosimane had reportedly hoped to keep the player around the squad while he recovered, potentially giving him an opportunity to regain fitness over the coming weeks.
That plan has now been abandoned following the medical assessment.
Tshepang Moremi gets Bafana recall
With Maboe unavailable, Tshepang Moremi has been called into the squad.
SAFA has sent an invitation to Orlando Pirates for the left-footed attacker to join the national team.
Moremi was left out of Mosimane’s final squad announcement, despite previously featuring regularly towards the end of Hugo Broos’ tenure as Bafana coach.
His performances also earned him selection for South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in North America.
His late recall now gives Moremi another opportunity to work with the national team as South Africa prepare for a busy international schedule.
Moremi returns at an important time
Moremi’s return comes as Bafana prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The forward’s familiarity with the national-team setup could help him settle quickly as Mosimane prepares his squad for the upcoming fixtures.
With Maboe now unavailable, Moremi will be looking to make the most of his unexpected return.
Bafana’s busy international schedule
South Africa’s first assignment will be against Guinea in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier on Saturday, 26 September.
The match is scheduled for a 15:00 kick-off at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Bafana will then travel to Egypt to face Eritrea on 30 September, before playing an international friendly against Egypt on 4 October.
With Maboe ruled out and Moremi brought back into the squad, Mosimane has been forced into another change as Bafana begin a crucial period of international football.
