Maboe backs Chiefs’ start, hails coach and tips Mosimane for Bafana success

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebo Maboe has described the club’s start to the Betway Premiership season as “pretty decent”, while admitting that the team could have taken maximum points from their opening four matches.

Maboe was speaking to the media at the club’s open day, where he reflected on Chiefs’ early-season form, his return to the scoresheet, his relationship with the coach and the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana head coach.

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Chiefs have collected eight points from a possible 12, a return Maboe believes represents a positive beginning to the campaign. However, the midfielder feels there is some frustration that the team did not turn all four matches into victories.

“I think we started well, but especially the Richards Bay game, you know, felt like we had a chance to win it, but unfortunately we didn’t,” Maboe said.

“So, yeah, I think we’ve had a pretty decent start to the season.”

On a personal level, Maboe was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet again after a lengthy wait for a Premier League goal.

The experienced midfielder said finding the back of the net has given him a significant confidence boost as he looks to contribute more to the team during the remainder of the campaign.

“It’s been a while. I think I haven’t scored in the Premier League since 2021, if I’m not mistaken,” he said.

“Having to find the back of the net in that game gives me a lot of confidence going into the remaining games of the season. Obviously, I’m looking forward to scoring more for the team, and yeah, it’s just a confidence booster, honestly.”

Maboe also opened up about his relationship with the Chiefs coach, revealing that he views him as much more than simply a football manager.

“I think he’s a father, more than anything,” Maboe said.

“He’s a coach that will always have his hand around you and obviously, improving the team as well and wanting the best out of his players.”

The Chiefs midfielder was also asked about Mosimane’s appointment as Bafana Bafana head coach.

Maboe congratulated the experienced coach and backed him to make a positive impact with the national team, pointing to his extensive knowledge of South African football and the local player pool.

“Firstly, congratulations to Coach Pitso, and I’m very happy for him. I think he’s going to do well in the national team,” Maboe said.

“He’s a coach that knows this league so well, that knows how South African players are, and I think he’s going to do well in the national team.”

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