Leicesterford deny signing former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sabelo Radebe

Leicesterford City have rejected reports that they have signed former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sabelo Radebe, with head coach Stanford Nkoane confirming the 26-year-old has already left the club.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship side had been assessing Radebe, as reported by Soccer Laduma last month, but no agreement was reached between the player and the club.

Radebe trained with Leicesterford during that assessment period, leading to speculation that he had secured a contract. Nkoane said those reports were incorrect and insisted the midfielder was no longer involved with the team.

“No, we haven’t signed him,” says Nkoane. “He’s no longer training with us. It’s not true we signed him. There are many lies that I see on social media, but I just keep quiet because people are doing their business.”

The Leicesterford coach explained that the club’s strength in central midfield was a key factor in deciding not to offer Radebe a deal.

“I’m crowded in the central (midfield) area. That’s the reason.”

Radebe spent the second half of last season with North West side Lerumo Lions. However, Lerumo Lions chose not to renew his contract, leaving the player without a club before his time with Leicesterford.

Leicesterford finished 12th last term and are now preparing for the 2026/27 campaign. Nkoane said preparations had been progressing positively, although he did not provide further details about the squad or the club’s plans for the new season.

“So far so good,” he concluded.

Leicesterford will begin their 2026/27 season at home against Orbit College on Saturday, 22 August. The fixture will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Radebe’s unsuccessful spell with Leicesterford comes after his departure from Lerumo Lions and follows his earlier association with Kaizer Chiefs. Despite being assessed by Leicesterford, he will not form part of Nkoane’s squad for the club’s opening match of the new campaign.

The club’s decision, according to Nkoane, was based on the number of available options in central midfield rather than any confirmed agreement having been cancelled. His comments also sought to end the social media speculation surrounding Radebe’s future.

Leicesterford’s opening-day meeting with Orbit College will therefore take place without the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, as the club begin their campaign following last season’s 12th-place finish.