Tshepang Moremi received an emergency call-up on Tuesday to join South Africa’s squad for their two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and a friendly against Egypt this month after Lebobang Maboe was forced out injured.
The 25-year-old Moremi had been at the World Cup with Bafana Bafana in mid-year, where he was used as a substitute in the last two games, against South Korea and Canada, but was initially left out of new coach Pitso Mosimane’s first selection.
But the door has opened for Moremi after Maboe, making a comeback to Bafana ranks for the first time in five years, injured his ankle playing for Kaizer Chiefs in their goalless draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Nelspruit at the weekend.
Mosimane said on Monday he hoped 32-year-old Maboe could stay in camp and recover but it would depend on a scan.
On Tuesday, the coach pulled the plug on Maboe and summoned Moremi after the scan revealed the twist of his ankle was serious enough to rule him out for the next three weeks.
South Africa open their Group D campaign against Guinea at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday and then travel to Egypt, where they meet Eritrea in a second qualifier next Wednesday before a friendly against the Pharaohs on October 4.