Kaze Reveals Honest Assessment On Maboe’s Full Debut
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has praised Lebohang Maboe’s performance in their 1-1 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage match against Egyptian giants Zamalek at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
This was Maboe’s first full start for Amakhosi since joining the club on a free transfer at the beginning of the season following his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Since the 31-year-old arrived at Amakhosi, this was only his third appearance; in his previous two matches — one in the Confederation Cup and one in the Betway Premiership — he came on as a second-half substitute.
Speaking after the game, Kaze expressed special praise for Maboe’s performance against the Egyptian side, as the midfielder completed the full 90 minutes.
“I believe that the whole team played really well because they helped each other,” he said.
“Maboe, I think we know his technical qualities; he’s a player that drives you forward, he’s a player that can find players in very tight spaces.
“I think he had a very good game, and he’s a player that drives the other players, and you need a player that can level up the technical quality of the team.”
Another standout performer was Dillan Solomons, who forced the Zamalek goalkeeper to score an own goal in the last minutes of the game, securing a crucial equaliser for
Amakhosi.
Solomons has now been involved in two consecutive goals in the Confederation Cup, having scored an equaliser in the 2-1 loss against Al Masry, both times assisted by Mfundo Vilakazi.
Kaze praised Solomons’ performance, joking that he must finish as a top goal scorer of the Confed Cup if he keeps his rate.
“Actually, I was joking with him after the game that he must finish as a top goal scorer of the CAF Confederation Cup if he keeps his rate,” he added.
“But, you know, he’s very good; he’s a player who has had some tough moments a few months ago, where he was not playing much.
“But since the game in the second preliminary round, he’s been a player who shows hunger, commitment, and tries to push the team forward.
“I think I’m so happy for him that he has improved in months in his defensive manner. I think even one-on-one, he’s a player who’s always good, and he is a hard worker all the time.”
This was Amakhosi’s last game of the year in the Confed Cup, and their next game will be on 25 January after AFCON, traveling to Zambia to face ZESCO United, who lost both their opening games against both Egyptian sides.
