Orlando Pirates Star Handed Bafana Bafana Chance After Maboe Injury Blow
- A late injury has forced Pitso Mosimane to make a change to his Bafana Bafana plans just days before the crucial AFCON qualifying campaign begins
- The setback involving Lebohang Maboe has opened the door for an Orlando Pirates star to get another opportunity with the national team
- With Bafana preparing for their opening Guinea clash, Mosimane has turned to a familiar face after an unexpected change to his squad plans
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Pitso Mosimane has been handed an unexpected selection headache just days before Bafana Bafana begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. A late change to his squad has opened the door for an Orlando Pirates star to make his return to the national-team setup, with Tshepang Moremi receiving the call after Lebohang Maboe was ruled out through injury.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed on 22 September 2026 that Maboe had been withdrawn after scans showed he would miss the current FIFA window. Mosimane has responded by sending a call-up letter to Pirates for Moremi.
Moremi was initially left out of Mosimane’s final 30-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. He was part of the squad that travelled to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and provided the cross for Thapelo Maseko’s winning goal against South Korea.
Maboe injury changes Mosimane’s plans
Maboe picked up the ankle problem during Kaizer Chiefs’ 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows on Sunday. After initially remaining with Bafana while medical checks were conducted, the 32-year-old was eventually withdrawn.
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Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi explained the decision.
“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,” Molobi said, according to SAFA.
The decision came a day after Mosimane had indicated that Maboe would remain with the squad while the medical team assessed his condition.
Source: UGC
Moremi returns ahead of Guinea clash
Moremi’s call-up comes just days before Bafana open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. South Africa will then face Eritrea in Egypt on 30 September before playing Egypt in a friendly on 4 October.
The late call-up gives Moremi another chance to work his way into Mosimane’s plans after initially missing out on the coach’s squad.
Mosimane explains his unusual Bafana coaching setup
Briefly News previously reported that Pitso Mosimane has taken a different approach to assembling his Bafana Bafana technical team, with several local coaches working with the national side on a part-time basis.
The coach explained after training at UJ Stadium on Monday, 21 September, that the arrangement was intentional. Mosimane said he wanted Bafana to help develop South African coaching talent by giving local coaches exposure to international football.
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Source: Briefly News
