Kaizer Chiefs fans finally have something to smile about. New signing Lebohang Maboe has officially raised his hand for selection.
The 31-year-old midfield maestro joined Amakhosi from Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August but arrived nursing a shoulder injury from his loan stint at the now-defunct SuperSport United.
After nearly two months of hard graft in rehab, Maboe is back in full swing and itching to wear the gold and black for the first time, after he was named in the travelling 22-man squad.
LEBOHANG MABOE TO FEATURE IN THE CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
His availability couldn’t come at a better time as Amakhosi prepare for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup clash against AS Simba, a chance to qualify for the group stages.
“I’m happy that I’m back from injury and planning to work hard to catch up with the rest of the guys who have been active,’ he told the club’s media. “I’m energised and ready to give it my all if given a chance, but will also share my experiences with my teammates to ensure we advance to the group stages.”
WHERE WILL KAIZER CHIEFS USE HIM?
While known for his work rate and direct style as a technical central midfielder, Maboe also carries the versatility to play further forward.
At Maritzburg United, he played the best football of his career as a hard-running central midfielder with great vision. At Mamelodi Sundowns, he was played out of position in various attacking roles but still produced 20 goals and 23 assists in 183 appearances.
With new Amakhosi attacking midfielder Ethan Chislett still struggling for two months to make his debut, and Gaston Sirino showing plenty of intelligence but little work rate, Mduduzi Shabalala has been Amakhosi’s most consistent and productive attacking threat. This could tempt the Kaizer Chiefs coaches to deploy Maboe as a more experienced number 10 rather than have him compete with Siphesihle Ndlovu and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in central midfield.
Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00.