Maboe injury scare: Mosimane makes Bafana decision

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been included in Bafana Bafana's squad despite suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's league match against Golden Arrows. Coach Pitso Mosimane announced Maboe's participation in national-team duty on Monday, but he was subsequently taken for a scan following complaints of a persistent ankle issue.

Mosimane discussed the situation with the medical team, who advised exercising caution with the midfielder due to the nature of his condition. "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 explained.

The injury strikes a difficult moment for Maboe, who has gradually regained his place in the Bafana lineup after his impressive performances for Chiefs. Instead of promptly returning him to his club, Mosimane has chosen to keep Maboe in the national team camp while the medical team evaluates the injury's severity. The Bafana coach expressed optimism about Maboe's potential recovery, stating that he could contribute during the international window, which includes three upcoming matches.

Bafana will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign by facing Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, followed by a match against Eritrea on September 30, and a friendly against Egypt on October 4. Mosimane acknowledged Maboe's disappointment in the situation, emphasizing that the injury was not caused by a direct challenge.

He assured Maboe that the team's three-week camp would provide ample time for recovery. For now, Maboe remains part of the national team as Bafana's medical staff continue to monitor his condition. The scan results will determine the extent of the injury and whether Maboe can feature in any of the three matches during Mosimane's initial international window since taking over as Bafana's coach.