Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad as a replacement for injured Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe.
The late change comes ahead of South Africa’s upcoming international fixtures, with Maboe ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury while representing Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
Maboe Withdrawn After Ankle Injury
Maboe had earned a return to the national team following a strong run of form and reported to the Bafana Bafana camp in Johannesburg on Sunday evening.
However, medical assessments conducted after his arrival confirmed that the midfielder would not be able to take part in the current international window.
Bafana Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi explained that Maboe twisted his ankle during Kaizer Chiefs’ match against Golden Arrows.
“Maboe arrived in camp on Sunday night with an ankle injury and after scans were conducted on Monday, a decision was taken to withdraw him.”
The medical team subsequently ruled him out of the current camp and FIFA international window.
Moremi Receives Another Bafana Bafana Opportunity
With Maboe unavailable, the national team’s technical staff moved quickly to bring in Tshepang Moremi.
The Orlando Pirates winger has established himself as an important attacking option for the Buccaneers and offers pace, direct running and creativity in the final third.
Moremi has also previously been involved with the senior national team, giving him experience of the international environment.
His inclusion provides head coach Pitso Mosimane with another attacking option as Bafana Bafana prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Bafana Bafana’s Busy International Schedule
South Africa are preparing for a busy international window that includes 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as an international friendly against Egypt.
The Guinea encounter is scheduled for 26 September at Orlando Stadium, before South Africa face Eritrea on 30 September.
Bafana Bafana will then meet Egypt in a friendly on 4 October.
Moremi’s late inclusion adds further depth to Mosimane’s squad as South Africa continues preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
For Maboe, the injury represents an unfortunate interruption after his return to the national-team setup, while Moremi now has an opportunity to make an impression during the international window.
