Maboe’s Mosimane message as Kaizer Chiefs star eyes Bafana return

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe believes Pitso Mosimane’s knowledge of the local game will give him an advantage after returning as Bafana Bafana head coach.

Maboe knows Mosimane well, having played under him at Mamelodi Sundowns after being signed from Maritzburg United, now Durban City.

“Congratulations to coach Pitso, I’m very happy for him. I think he is going to do well in the national team setup because he knows this league and its players so well.”

Mosimane is preparing to name his preliminary squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Conakry and Eritrea, as well as the confirmed international friendly against Egypt.

Maboe, who was included in the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, could once again come into consideration if he maintains his form for Chiefs.

The 31-year-old spent four seasons under Mosimane at Sundowns, winning the league title in each of those campaigns.

It was also during that period that Maboe developed into the versatile player he is today, with Mosimane using him in several positions, including as a number 10 and wing-back.

At Chiefs, Maboe has mainly operated as a number eight and number six under Fernando Da Cruz.

The midfielder will now hope his form can earn him another Bafana opportunity, with his last of 17 international appearances coming in 2021, during Broos’ first official match in charge.

Maboe also has a personal target to improve his attacking numbers this season.

He scored from the penalty spot in Chiefs’ 2-2 draw against Richards Bay last week, ending a five-year wait for a goal.

His previous goal came on May 26, 2021, when he scored in Sundowns’ 3-1 victory over the now-defunct SuperSport United.

While his versatility remains one of his biggest strengths, Maboe wants to contribute more in the final third as he attempts to establish himself as an important player under Da Cruz.

And with Mosimane now back at the helm of Bafana, strong performances for Chiefs could give Maboe another route back into the national-team setup.