Orlando Pirates forward profits from Kaizer Chiefs star’s Bafana woes

Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi has been called into the Bafana Bafana squad as a replacement for the injured Lebohang Maboe.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Maboe sustained an injury during his club’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Despite initial hopes from head coach Pitso Mosimane that Maboe could participate in the three-week national camp, medical scans have ruled him out entirely.

Maboe’s unfortunate circumstances

The camp includes crucial AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as a friendly match in Egypt.

A statement from the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the midfielder’s withdrawal.

“Dr Tshepo Molobi, the Bafana Bafana team doctor, told www.safa.net that 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 statement read.

Pirates ace benefits from Maboe’s injury

Dr Molobi provided further details on the injury. “He twisted his ankle while playing for Kaizer Chiefs and after undergoing a scan, he will be ruled out from the current camp and this FIFA window,” he explained.

Moremi, his replacement, has been in good form for Orlando Pirates this season, scoring three goals in seven appearances.

He is no stranger to the national team setup, having been part of Hugo Broos’s FIFA World Cup squad. 

Moremi notably featured in the historic 1-0 victory over South Korea, where he assisted Thapelo Maseko’s winning goal, and also played in the 1-0 loss to Canada.