South African midfielder Lebohang Maboe will have to wait for his reunion with coach Pitso Mosimane after being forced to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad due to an ankle injury. Maboe picked up the injury during Kaizer Chiefs' goalless draw with Golden Arrows on Sunday and was subsequently replaced by Orlando Pirates' Tshepang Moremi. Despite reporting for camp on Monday, Maboe sat out training while awaiting medical results.
Maboe's injury setback comes as a significant blow, especially given his history with Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns. The pair built an impressive working relationship, winning several titles together, including the league championship. Maboe's dynamism, work rate, and game reading allowed him to dominate the midfield, aiding the team both domestically and continentally.
Mosimane had expressed his disappointment regarding Maboe's injury, stating that the player had worked hard to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad. "He has worked hard to be at Bafana. He should be disappointed with the injury," Mosimane said. "No one kicked him. But sometimes that's football. Let's hope Lebo recovers and goes for it."
Maboe's recent setback must have been particularly stinging, given his missed opportunity to represent South Africa in the World Cup. His reunion with Mosimane would have been a significant moment, especially considering their successful partnership at Sundowns. During the 2019/20 season, when Maboe hit a goal drought, Mosimane staunchly defended him, highlighting his hard work and dedication.
Maboe eventually repaid Mosimane's faith, scoring a hat-trick to clinch the league title for Sundowns on the final day of the COVID-19-interrupted campaign. This feat not only stunned log leaders Chiefs but also showcased Maboe's capabilities. His return to Bafana would have bolstered Mosimane's midfield options, featuring players like Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, and Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Although Maboe's withdrawal from the current Bafana Bafana squad is a setback, there is hope for his return in November. Bafana will reassemble for camp, continuing their bid to qualify for the continental showpiece in the East Africa Pamoja region next year. By then, Maboe aims to have worked his way back to full fitness and form at Chiefs, potentially rekindling one of local football's most efficient partnerships.
The injury scare also highlights the challenges faced by Kaizer Chiefs, with coach Fernando Da Cruz bemoaning the "lack of maturity" of his strikers after the goalless draw with Golden Arrows. As Maboe works towards recovery, the football community will be keeping a close eye on his progress, hoping for a swift return to the pitch and a successful partnership with Mosimane.
Key points
- Lebohang Maboe's ankle injury forces him to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad.
- Maboe's reunion with coach Pitso Mosimane is delayed due to the injury setback.
- Maboe aims to regain full fitness and form for a potential return to Bafana in November.
