Maboe: I’m Regaining My Form
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe believes he is rediscovering the form that once made him stand out at Maritzburg United and during his successful spell at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Maboe, who was released by Sundowns during the off-season, joined Chiefs in September while carrying an injury. He had spent the second half of last season on loan at SuperSport United before Sundowns confirmed his departure at the end of the campaign.
Since the season resumed, the 31-year-old has emerged as one of Chiefs’ most influential midfielders. He was named Man of the Match in the midweek victory over Marumo Gallants and was unfortunate not to score as Amakhosi completed a double over ZESCO United with a 1-0 win in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Maboe’s late effort struck the upright in the dying moments after Glody Lilepo’s early first-half goal proved to be the match-winner.
The midfielder, whose father Sidwell previously played for Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu, attributed his improved form to consistent game time at the Naturena-based club.
“I think so,” Maboe replied when asked by Sportswire in the mixed zone at Moses Mabhida Stadium whether he was regaining his best form.
“If you ask anyone, I’m starting to find joy again, and the more games you play, the better you become. I think just being on the pitch, you are bound to improve.”
Maboe has also benefited from playing alongside a familiar face in midfield—Siphesihle Ndlovu. The pair previously starred together at Maritzburg United under Fadlu Davids during the 2017/18 season, a campaign highlighted by a famous Nedbank Cup semi-final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Harry Gwala Stadium that left then-coach Pitso Mosimane frustrated. They finished fourth that season, the club’s highest finish, as well as losing to the maiden cup final – the same Nedbank Cup
Ndlovu later joined Orlando Pirates before moving to Chiefs in the off-season, where he reunited with Maboe. Ndlovu was named Midfielder of the Season during that memorable Maritzburg campaign.
The chemistry and understanding between the two have paid dividends for Amakhosi in the second half of the season, particularly as they push for a place in the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages.
“It all comes down to the hard work we are putting in at training,” said Maboe, who won six league titles, two Nedbank Cups, the Carling Knockout, the MTN8 and the African Football League during his 183 appearances for Sundowns.
“It also comes down to the goals we set for ourselves. I must commend my team-mates for the support they’ve shown me. It’s not just about me—the whole team is doing well.”
Chiefs will now turn their attention to defending their Nedbank Cup title when they face Stellenbosch in the round of 32 at DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening (19:00).
