Maboe ankle injury puts Bafana qualifier place in doubt

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe's availability for Bafana Bafana's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers remains uncertain after he sustained a niggling ankle injury, with coach Pitso Mosimane saying a scan will determine whether he plays. Maboe was substituted during Chiefs' goalless draw with Golden Arrows over the weekend after suffering the injury, which Mosimane described as unusual because no contact was involved. The midfielder reported for national team duty and has joined the Bafana camp at the University of Johannesburg rather than being sent back to his club. The doctor has briefed me that we should be careful with him and give him a chance, Mosimane told reporters. He's going for a scan which will tell us how far he is. Mosimane said the medical staff have advised caution and that Bafana will not rush Maboe back into action. 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, the coach said.