Kaizer Chiefs’ new midfielder Lebohang Maboe is on cloud nine after returning to the club this season, vowing to do his best to help bring back the glory days.
Maboe cut his football teeth at Chiefs, but he never got the chance to don the senior team’s jersey, as he opted to seek greener pastures in both the National First Division and the top flight. The 30-year-old attacker rose to stardom at Maritzburg United — now known as Durban City — before enjoying a decorated career at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won seven league titles.
However, when he learnt that he would not be returning to Sundowns this season after his loan spell with the now-defunct SuperSport United came to an end, he didn’t think twice about rejoining Chiefs when they came knocking.
“It’s such an honour and a privilege for me to be back home — it’s a big institution,” said Maboe, on the sidelines of Chiefs’ 2025 Nedbank Cup Multipurpose Sports Court Handover at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs.
“So, yeah, I want to do well with the team and win silverware. It’s such a good feeling being back home and being welcomed the way I was the other night. I am really looking forward to the season.
“I wanted to be back home and play for the team again. Given how I left, I felt like I had unfinished business. So, being back now is such a great feeling.”
Maboe is the son of Orlando Pirates legend Sidwell Maboe. But such was his drive to step out of his father’s shadow and create a name for himself that he feels privileged to have achieved all that he has.
“Definitely, if you look at what I’ve achieved in my career,” said Maboe, reflecting on being one of the few players to represent two of the country’s biggest clubs. “Growing up ko kasi (in the township), it’s every child’s dream to one day play for the biggest teams in the country.
“I feel privileged — so thank you to the Lord Almighty for blessing me with such talent to be able to say I once played for Sundowns, and now I am playing for Chiefs. Not everyone has the privilege to say that.”
Maboe says he is ready to bring his wealth of experience to Chiefs and help the team win silverware, especially after they lifted their first trophy in 10 years — the Nedbank Cup — last season.
“I think the team has honestly been doing well,” Maboe said.
“So, my aim is just to leave the jersey in a better place than I found it — which means winning silverware. We just want to do well and put smiles on the faces of our fans.”
Maboe will also be expected to play a senior role at Chiefs by helping youngsters strive and reach their full potential. He says he is ready for that responsibility.
“We need to bring in a winning mindset — one that says you are never enough. You just want to keep the winning feeling flowing through your bloodstream,” Maboe said.
“We just want to keep winning and never get tired of it. That’s the mentality I am bringing. Also, being a good human being — one who is approachable and a people’s person.”
Related Topics: