Kaizer Chiefs’ Lebohang Maboe has openly acknowledged the pressure of playing for the Soweto giants, admitting that the club badge ‘is very heavy’. Maboe walked away with the Man of the Match award after The Glamour Boys edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night.
Glody Lilepo’s wonder strike in the 67th minute was enough to seal the win for Chiefs as they leapfrogged arch-rivals Orlando Pirates into second place on the log, with 30 points, two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates are third with 28 points.
MABOE ON PLAYING FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
However, it was Maboe who bagged the Man of the Match award after pulling the strings for Amakhosi in midfield. After the hard-fought win, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star was the first to admit that they carry a heavy burden on their shoulders to help Chiefs win the league. Maboe stated that his goal is ‘to leave the badge in a better state than we found it.’
“We carry a very heavy badge – it’s a privilege to be part of this prestigious team. We want to leave the badge in a better state than we found it, so for us, it’s just to continue fighting for silverware. We’ve got three to play for this season – we’re aiming very high,” Maboe told SuperSport TV.
In truth, it is now hard to escape the supposition that Chiefs are now serious Betway Premiership title contenders if their recent form is anything to go by.
WHAT MABOE SAID ON WINNING THE MOTM AWARD
On winning the match award, Maboe said it’s proof that he is bouncing back from a tough patch that saw him endure a lengthy layoff due to injury. This was his first Man of the Match accolade since joining the club.
“It’s been a tough couple of months for me, but I would like to thank the man above for the talent He has given me and for the opportunities I get to be on the field.
“Coming back to the game, it wasn’t easy – tough opponents, they also wanted to impose themselves. But I think we wanted it more than they did, hence we got the result tonight [Wednesday].”
Maboe joined Kaizer Chiefs after he was released by Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season. He had spent the 2024/25 season on loan at SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC].
The 31-year-old came through the youth ranks at Amakhosi. However, he never played for the first team. He then made a name for himself at Mbombela United before switching to Maritzburg United in 2016, and then Sundowns two years later.
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