Bafana Bafana Face Setback as Maboe Exits AFCON Qualifier
Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their new Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey have taken an early hit, with Lebohang Maboe forced out of camp through injury just days before the opener against Guinea.
The midfielder reported for national duty in Johannesburg on Sunday night carrying an ankle problem picked up while playing for Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend. Hopes that it was minor faded quickly.
By Monday, the scans told the story.
“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,” team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi confirmed.
No late miracle. No last-minute patch-up job. Maboe is out.
Coach Pitso Mosimane has moved fast. A call-up letter for Tshepang Moremi has been sent to Orlando Pirates as Bafana scramble to adjust their plans ahead of a crucial start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The stakes are clear. South Africa open at home, at the familiar cauldron of Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, where they will host Guinea on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is set for 15h00, a traditional slot that leaves no hiding place in front of a demanding crowd.
Mosimane must now rework his midfield balance without Maboe, a player valued for his energy between the lines and his work without the ball. Moremi’s invitation offers opportunity, but also pressure: step in, settle quickly, and deliver in a fixture that could shape the tone of the entire group.
Off the pitch, the push is on to fill the stands.
- Tickets are on sale, including hospitality packages.
- Standard tickets are priced at R100,00 for adults and R40,00 for children under 12.
- One key condition: to purchase a child’s ticket, at least one adult ticket must be selected first. Kids’ tickets cannot be bought on their own.
- Supporters eyeing a premium match-day experience can book hospitality through the listed mobile contact or email address provided by the organisers.
The stage is set at Orlando. The campaign starts now, even if one of Mosimane’s key options has been left on the treatment table instead of the team sheet.
