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.