Bafana Bafana Face Setback as Maboe Injured, Moremi Called Up

Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign have taken an early hit, with coach Pitso Mosimane forced into a late change to his squad.

Lebohang Maboe has been withdrawn from the camp in Johannesburg after suffering an ankle injury while turning out for Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend. He reported for national duty on Sunday night but never truly joined the contest for a starting place.

Team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi confirmed that scans on Monday ended any hope of Maboe featuring against Guinea.

“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 association’s official channels.

The setback comes just days before South Africa open their AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00 in Soweto, where Mosimane had been hoping for a settled build-up.

Instead, he has moved quickly. A call-up letter for Tshepang Moremi has already been sent to Orlando Pirates, with the attacker now in line to link up with the national team and stake his claim.

Match Tickets

Off the pitch, the push is on to fill Orlando Stadium. Match tickets are on sale, with adults paying R100,00 and children under 12 priced at R40,00. A key condition remains in place: at least one adult ticket must be purchased before a child’s ticket can be added, with kids’ tickets unavailable as standalone purchases.

Hospitality packages are also being marketed for the clash, with bookings available via mobile contact on 082 805 3150 or through the published email channel.

An injury blow, a fresh face, and a home crowd to rouse: South Africa’s road to AFCON 2027 starts under a spotlight, and Mosimane will know there is little room for missteps from the very first whistle.