Chiefs Star Set For Extended Absence After Bafana Withdrawal
Sportswire has learned that Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe could be sidelined for up to two months after sustaining a severe ankle injury, adding to a mounting injury crisis at Naturena.
Maboe’s setback deepens the frustration for Amakhosi head coach Fernando da Cruz, who is already navigating a growing casualty list that includes key attacker Langelihle Phili, captain Brandon Petersen, and forward Wandile Duba.
Maboe, who has been in outstanding form for Chiefs this season, was forced to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker had earned his first national team call-up in five years, having last featured for South Africa against Uganda at Orlando Amstel Arena in June 2021—Hugo Broos’s first match in charge, which was overseen on the bench by assistant Helman Mkhalele.
Orlando Pirates attacker Tshepang Moremi has since replaced Maboe in Pitso Mosimane’s squad.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Maboe suffered the ankle injury during Amakhosi’s weekend encounter against Golden Arrows.
The 32-year-old has been integral to Chiefs’ campaign this season, registering two goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
He came close to adding a third goal at Mbombela Stadium, but Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa saved his spot-kick.
A two-month lay-off represents a severe strategic headache for Da Cruz. Phili remains sidelined for eight weeks, while Petersen is out for six. Duba offers a potential ray of hope after Amakhosi confirmed he suffered a hip and groin injury, with his recovery estimated at two weeks.
However, it remains uncertain whether Duba will return in time for Chiefs’ post-international break fixture against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on 17 October.
If the early two-month prognosis holds true, Maboe will also miss the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on 31 October.
