Lebohang Maboe says first Kaizer Chiefs goal has boosted his confidence

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe says scoring his first goal for the club has given him renewed confidence as the season enters its final stages.

Maboe converted a penalty to bring Chiefs level in their 2-2 Betway Premiership draw with Richards Bay on Saturday. The goal made it 1-1 for Amakhosi and was the 31-year-old’s first since joining The Glamour Boys.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had not scored in professional football since February 2024, when he was on target for The Brazilians in their 6-1 win over NB La Masia in the Nedbank Cup round of 16.

Maboe also acknowledged that his previous league goal had come much earlier. He scored for Sundowns in a 2-0 victory against Chippa United in January 2021.

Speaking to journalists at Kaizer Chiefs’ Open Media Day at the club’s village in Naturena on Wednesday, Maboe said finding the net again had strengthened his belief ahead of the club’s remaining fixtures.

“I have not scored in the Premier League since 2021 if I’m not mistaken and having to find the back of the net in a game gives me a lot of confidence going into the remaining games of the season,” Maboe said.

“Obviously I’m looking forward to scoring more for the team and ja, a confidence-booster honestly.”

Kaizer Chiefs will return to Betway Premiership action against Siwelele on Sunday.

Maboe’s return to the scoresheet comes after he had been on the fringes of the Bafana Bafana set-up towards the end of Hugo Broos’ time as head coach. He was included in the preliminary squad but did not make the final 26-man selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder also welcomed Pitso Mosimane’s return as the new Bafana Bafana head coach. Mosimane previously worked with Maboe during the player’s time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maboe congratulated the experienced coach and said Mosimane’s knowledge of South African football would help him in the national-team role.

“Firstly congratulations to coach Pitso, I’m very happy for him. I think he’s going to do well in the national team. He’s a coach that knows the league so well. He knows how South African players are,” Maboe added.

The player, who also previously represented Durban City, will now hope his goal against Richards Bay can lead to further opportunities in front of goal as Chiefs continue their Betway Premiership campaign.