September 24, 07:00IOL

Lebohang Maboe missed national team camp after ankle injury

Lebohang Maboe has to wait for a reunion with Pitso Mosimane following an ankle injury sustained while assembling the Bafana Bafana squad.

Maboe is a player whom Pitso Mosimane trusted. Therefore, his absence from Mosimane's first squad after his reappointment delayed one of the best reunions in local football. The injury occurred when Kaizer Chiefs drew with Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Despite the injury, he attended the camp on Monday but missed training sessions while awaiting medical results. He was ultimately replaced by Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates. This recent incident, which happened after missing the Bafana World Cup, should feel even more painful, exacerbating Maboe's disappointment, who undoubtedly wanted to represent the country and work with Mosimane again.

Mosimane commented on Maboe's injury before the substitution: 'He worked hard to make it into Bafana. He must be disappointed with the injury. No one tackled him. But sometimes that happens in football. Let's hope Lebo recovers and tries.'

Maboe's connection with Sundowns and Mosimane

The pair developed impressive working and almost father-son relationships at Mamelodi Sundowns, winning numerous titles together, including a league championship. Maboe's dynamism, hard work, and ability to read the game allowed him to dominate the midfield. His successes helped the team both domestically and continentally.

When Maboe faced a goal drought in the second half of the 2019/20 season at Sundowns, Mosimane strongly defended him. At that time, Mosimane stated: 'He was our top scorer last season, and this season he is struggling to score.' He added that he had no issues with a player who tries to score, noting Maboe's high emotionality and anxiety in front of the goal. Mosimane emphasized that they needed time, and he could succeed either this year or next.

Maboe's possible return in November

Maboe justified Mosimane's trust that same season by scoring a hat-trick, which helped Sundowns win the league title on the final day of the campaign, interrupted by COVID-19. This feat surprised the league leaders, Chiefs, to whom he has since returned after developing in the club's youth system.

Maboe's return to Bafana would benefit not only Maboe but would also strengthen competition in the deep midfield, where Tebogo Mokokena, Siphepelo Sithole, Batusi Aubaas, and Brooklyn Poggenpool play. Having a player like Maboe would help Mosimane achieve his goal—relying on players who possess both form and rich experience, balancing youth and veteran leadership.

However, not all is lost. Bafana will gather again in November, continuing the fight for qualification to the continental tournament in the East African region of Pamoja next year. By then, Maboe hopes to have recovered full physical fitness and form at Chiefs, aiming to revive one of the most effective partnerships in local football.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 21, 20:00

South Africa national team coach Mosimane decides on Lebohang Maboe's fate after injury

Despite the midfielder from Kaizer Chiefs, Lebohang Maboe, arriving at the national team with a bruise after missing a penalty in the Betway Premier League match that ended 0-0 on Sunday, he will remain part of the 'Bafana Bafana' squad.

The head coach of the 'Bafana Bafana' national team, Pitsos Mosimane, confirmed that Lebohang Maboe will stay with the team, even though he sustained an ankle injury during Sunday's match against Golden Arrows.

Maboe reported for duty with the national team on Monday but was sent for examination following complaints of sharp pain in his ankle. Speaking before the 'Bafana' first training session at the AW Muller University stadium in Johannesburg, Mosimane stated that the medical team recommended caution regarding the midfielder.

Mosimane said: 'He has a minor ankle injury; it looks like no one even touched him. It is sensitive; the doctor informed me that we must be careful with him and give him a chance.'

This injury came at an unfortunate time for Maboe, who was recovering with 'Bafana' after an impressive performance for 'Chiefs'. Instead of immediately sending him back to the club, Mosimane decided to keep the midfielder in the camp while medical staff assess the extent of the problem.

The 'Bafana' coach also expressed hope that Maboe can recover in time to participate in the three matches of the international window scheduled for South Africa. 'Bafana' will play Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and then travel to Egypt to face Eritrea on September 30. Following this, they will play a friendly match against Egypt on October 4.

Mosimane acknowledged the disappointment Maboe might feel, especially after hard work to earn his spot in the squad. He noted: 'We have a three-week camp. He took tests, and the results will show how far along he is, and I think he worked hard to get into 'Bafana'. He must be disappointed by the injury, and no one hit him. Sometimes that happens in football; let's hope Lebo recovers and tries.'

For now, Maboe remains with the national team while 'Bafana' medical staff assesses his condition. The examination will determine the scope of the injury and the possibility of the 'Chiefs' midfielder participating in any of the three matches in Mosimane's first international window since returning as 'Bafana' coach.

iol.co.zaSeptember 10, 14:06

Arthur Zwein prepares to return to the 'Bafana Bafana' squad as Pitso Mosimane's second assistant

It is reported that the Safa team is close to signing Arthur Zwein as Pitso Mosimane's second assistant in the 'Bafana Bafana' national team.

Mosimane took over the team leadership at the beginning of this month, replacing Hugo Bruus. He quickly brought on board trusted staff members Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangoa, who will continue to share their experience as analyst and physical fitness coach, respectively.

The former 'Mamelodi Sundowns' coach further strengthened his technical team by appointing Moren Ramoreboli as his first assistant after he left the position of head coach of the Botswana national team.

News emerging this week indicates that Zwein is ready to join Mosimane's team on a part-time basis. According to available information, he will continue to lead the 'AmaZulu' team while fulfilling the duties of Mosimane's second assistant. Furthermore, he will oversee the work of the U23 youth team, helping integrate young players into the senior squad.

Zwein has experience working with youth. His impressive period at 'AmaZulu' was a result of nurturing young talents and helping them adapt to the high demands of professional football.

He began his coaching career in the youth structures of 'Kaizer Chiefs', where he played an important role in promoting young players who subsequently moved to Europe or became full members of the senior team.

If Zwein takes this position, he returns to the 'Bafana' squad, as he previously worked as an assistant to the current technical director Molefe Ntseki.

Much has changed since then—after Bruus qualified the team for two continental tournaments in a row and for the World Cup, where they historically reached the 32nd round. Therefore, Mosimane is under pressure to maintain this momentum.

Mosimane will begin his term with the CAF Confederation Cup qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 30, and four days later he will meet Eritrea at the neutral Al-Salam stadium in Cairo. Then 'Bafana' will conclude the international window with a friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on October 4.