Maboe: Chiefs Determined To Restore Pride And Smiles For Fans

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe says the team is determined to turn their season around and restore pride at the club, acknowledging the frustrations of supporters while stressing that players understand the responsibility of representing one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions.

Chiefs supporters have recently voiced their dissatisfaction with the team’s performances, with some planning a march to the club’s headquarters to express their concerns to management.

The Soweto giants made a strong start to the season and were competing in the top three of the Betway Premiership.

However, their form has dipped in recent weeks, and they currently sit sixth on the table with 30 points from 18 matches.

Maboe admitted that expectations at Chiefs are always high and said the squad is working hard to bring back success to the club.

“This is a big institution and a lot is expected from us,” said Maboe.

“I understand where the frustration comes from, but we are all fighting for one common goal, which is to bring back the glory days. Our main focus right now is to put smiles back on our fans’ faces.”

Chiefs will have an opportunity to respond when they host Durban City at FNB Stadium on Sunday in a crucial league encounter.

Maboe expects a difficult challenge against Durban City, noting that their opponents arrive in good form and full of confidence.

“I think they are coming in very confident,” he said.

“They have won two games and drawn one in their last three matches, so we know we are coming up against a motivated team.”

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Maritzburg United attacker also emphasised that Chiefs players must now translate their intentions into performances on the pitch.

“For us, we are playing for the badge and for the millions of fans who support this club,” Maboe added.

“We see the supporters coming to the stadium in big numbers, and that motivates us even more.

“We have been saying that we want to turn things around, so now we must start putting action behind those words. It has to start on Sunday.”