Pitso Mosimane has explained his decision to keep Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe in the Bafana Bafana camp despite the player carrying an ankle injury.
Maboe picked up the injury during Kaizer Chiefs’ match against Golden Arrows after being included in Mosimane’s squad for the upcoming international fixtures.
The midfielder’s condition raised the possibility of him being replaced, but Mosimane has opted to give him time to recover rather than immediately send him home.
Mosimane wants to give Maboe a chance
According to Mosimane, Maboe has undergone a scan and the Bafana medical team has advised caution with the midfielder.
The coach says the injury is not believed to have resulted from a heavy challenge, describing it as a lingering ankle problem that requires careful management.
“He’s got a niggling ankle. You could see that the injury, he was never even kicked by anybody. So, it’s tender,” Mosimane said.
The Bafana coach added that the medical team had briefed him on Maboe’s condition and recommended that the player be given time.
“We have a three-week camp. He’s gone for a scan, and that scan will tell us how far he is.”
Mosimane also pointed to the work Maboe had put in to earn his place in the national team.
“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,” he added.
For now, Maboe will remain with the squad while the technical and medical teams monitor his progress.
Bafana preparing for busy international schedule
Bafana Bafana face a demanding period, beginning with their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
South Africa are scheduled to host Guinea on Saturday, 26 September, with the match taking place at Orlando Amstel Arena and kicking off at 15:00.
Mosimane’s side will then travel to Egypt for a fixture against Eritrea on 30 September before facing Egypt in an international friendly on 4 October.
Maboe’s availability for those matches will depend on his recovery and the findings of the medical team.
For now, Mosimane appears willing to give the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder every opportunity to recover and potentially play a role in the upcoming Bafana campaign.
