Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Lebohang Maboe has urged supporters to be patient as he works on regaining full fitness before making his highly anticipated debut for the Soweto giants.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who joined Amakhosi in August as a free agent after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns, admitted that while he is eager to hit the ground running, he still needs time to get his body ready to compete at the highest level.
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Speaking during a joint initiative between Chiefs and Nedbank at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs – where a new multipurpose sports court was handed over as part of the 2025 Nedbank Cup winners’ community projects and which was also attended by the Siya crew – Maboe was frank about his current condition.
“I think right now I just want to focus on getting my body back to where I know my body can sustain the whole 90 minutes, which is not the case right now, if I’m being honest to myself as well. But yeah, I just want to work hard during the FIFA break and let’s see what happens after the FIFA break,” he explained.
Maboe was officially unveiled to the Amakhosi faithful at FNB Stadium on August 27 during the club’s Betway Premiership clash against his former employers, Sundowns, which ended in a goalless draw.
However, fans will need to wait a little longer to see him on the pitch in the famous gold and black jersey.
The international break could prove crucial for the midfielder, who has set his sights on using the period to sharpen his match fitness.
Chiefs return to domestic action after the FIFA window, and there is growing anticipation that Maboe may finally be integrated into head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s plans once he is fully fit.
Despite not having played a competitive game for his new club yet, Maboe expressed his excitement at rejoining the Chiefs family, having previously come through the club’s development ranks before moving on to build his career elsewhere.
“It’s such an honour and privilege to be in such an institute like Kaizer Chiefs. I’m glad that I’m back home. I want to do well with the team, and I want to win silverware with the team. It’s a great feeling to be back at home and welcomed the way I was. So, I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he said.
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His arrival has been viewed as a major boost for the Glamour Boys, who are looking to return to the summit of South African football under Nabi.
With his wealth of experience from his successful spell at Sundowns – where he lifted multiple trophies – Maboe is expected to bring both depth and quality to the Chiefs midfield.
