Kaze Hails Lilepo’s Stunner After Gallants Win

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has revealed that the goal scored by Glody Lilepo is rare to see after the Congolese attacker fired a stunning strike as they beat Marumo Gallants on Wednesday.

Lilepo’s sensational strike proved to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested encounter, and Kaze admitted the goal was something special, not only because of its quality but also because of what it meant for the player.

“I would say well done to Lilepo with that goal because it’s a goal that you don’t see every day,” Kaze said.

“I’m happy for Lilepo that he scored that goal because after his injury against AS Simba, he was struggling to come back and had a lot of pressure.

“But I think now he responded very well because we know he is a big player and always makes great things.”

Lilepo’s strike is already being discussed as a potential contender for goal of the season.

Remarkably, it was a repeat of a stunning effort he scored against the same opponents last season at FNB Stadium, a goal that earned him a nomination for the goal of the season award, although he narrowly missed out on winning it.

The goal against Gallants was Lilepo’s second of the current campaign, ending a frustrating run in front of goal after scoring his first of the season against Stellenbosch in the opening match.

Since joining Amakhosi from French club Valenciennes last season, the Congolese attacker has now registered 10 goals and one assist in 36 appearances for the Soweto giants.

Another standout performer on the night was Lebohang Maboe, who walked away with the man of the match award after a commanding display in midfield.

The Burundian mentor was equally glowing in his assessment of the experienced campaigner.

“He (Maboe) is a player with such a big football IQ,” the former Barcelona academy mentor added.

“For him, he’s a player who can find solutions and can always position himself very well.

“He is also a player who likes to play forward. We need those kinds of players, and he is experienced and very helpful for everyone in the club.”

Lilepo and Maboe will be hoping to carry their fine form into continental action when Chiefs host ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

It will be the fourth group-stage match between the two sides, with Amakhosi heading into the second leg full of confidence after claiming a 1-0 victory in Zambia last Sunday, thanks to Pule Mmodi’s second-minute goal.