Pitso Mosimane says Bafana Bafana won’t rush Lebohang Maboe back from an ankle injury, with the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder set to have a scan ahead of this weekend’s Guinea qualifier, reports Soccer Laduma.
Maboe is part of the squad preparing for a busy international window, starting with Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena, followed by a trip to face Eritrea in Egypt next Wednesday, before a friendly against the hosts themselves on 4 October.
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Speaking to media at Bafana’s training base at the University of Johannesburg, Mosimane explained that Maboe would undergo a scan before any decision is made on his involvement, describing the injury as unusual given there was no clear contact involved.
“He’s got a niggling ankle. You could see that 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. We have a three week camp, he’s gone for scan.”
“That scan will tell us how far he is. He has worked hard to be in Bafana, so he should be disappointed by the injury and no one kicked him. Sometimes it’s football. Let’s hope Lebo recovers,” Mosimane said.
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With the squad based together for three matches, Mosimane isn’t ruling out Maboe featuring later in the window if he recovers in time.
Should he miss out, the coach has alternatives in midfield, with Durban City’s Brooklyn Poggenpoel in strong form and pushing for a regular place, alongside the experience of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Siphephelo Sithole.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
