Tshepang Moremi replaces injured Lebohang Maboe in Bafana Bafana squad

Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi is on his way to the Bafana Bafana camp ahead of Saturday’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium.

The 25-year-old comes into coach Pitso Mosimane’s camp as a replacement for Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe, who has been withdrawn after sustaining an ankle injury while playing for Chiefs on Sunday.

Mosimane confirmed on Tuesday that a call-up letter for Moremi has been sent to Pirates, marking the first enforced change to his squad since taking charge of the national team for a second stint earlier this month.

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Maboe arrived in the Johannesburg camp on Sunday night nursing the injury he picked up while playing for Chiefs in a league game against Golden Arrows, and was immediately sent for scans.

Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi told the South African Football Association website that the results ruled the central midfielder out of the current camp and the entire FIFA international window.

The injury blow comes at an awkward time for Mosimane, who has been putting his squad through their paces in Johannesburg as they prepare for the opening match of their 2027 Afcon qualifying campaign.

Moremi’s call-up offers the Pirates midfielder a chance to stake his claim in Mosimane’s plans during a critical period for the national team.

Bafana’s match against Guinea in Soweto represents the first competitive fixture of Mosimane’s second spell in charge of the national team.

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Mosimane was appointed on 1 September and he will be in charge of the team until after the 2030 World Cup.

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