Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi has explained the medical reason behind Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe’s withdrawal from the national team camp in Johannesburg.
Maboe was ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury during Amakhosi’s 0-0 Betway Premiership draw against Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.
Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has since confirmed the midfielder’s withdrawal from the squad ahead of their opening game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers this weekend.
South Africa will commence their AFCON qualifiers campaign when they host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. The kick-off is scheduled for 15h00.
Mosimane’s troops will then travel to Eritrea for another AFCON qualifiers clash on Wednesday, 30 September. The game is set to start at 18:00 [South African time].
Meanwhile, South Africa will then wrap up their international window with a friendly match against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on October 4, 2026.
DR TSHEPO MOLOBI ON LEBOHANG MABOE’S INJURY
Dr Molobi revealed that Maboe joined the national team camp on Sunday evening already carrying the injury, prompting the medical team to conduct immediate diagnostic scan assessments.
“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,” Dr Molobi told the SAFA website.
The diagnostic scans were completed on Monday, 21 September, leading to the decision to release the 32-year-old to allow him time to recover.
TSHEPANG MOREMI REPLACES LEBOHANG MABOE IN BAFANA SQUAD
Following Maboe’s departure, coach Mosimane moved swiftly to bolster his attacking options by calling up Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi.
An official call-up request has already been sent to the Buccaneers to allow Moremi to join the squad immediately in preparation for Saturday’s fixture against Guinea.
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