Sabelo Radebe: Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder handed lifeline with Leicesterford City trial

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sabelo Radebe is being assessed by Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City FC as the club looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.

The 26-year-old, once regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy, has resurfaced at the Mpumalanga-based outfit after a spell in South Africa’s lower divisions.

Ex-Chiefs prospect seeks fresh start

Radebe, an attacking midfielder, has been without a permanent top-flight home following his departure from Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in mid-2025.

He most recently turned out for Lerumo Lions in the lower leagues last season, as he attempted to relaunch a career that had promised much during his early years at Naturena.

Nicknamed “Bibo”, Radebe spent at least eight years in the Kaizer Chiefs academy system, honing his skills before breaking into the first team in 2020. His rise through the youth ranks placed him among the club’s most highly regarded academy graduates of his generation.

Loan move that stalled his momentum

Before his eventual exit from Chiefs, the club had sent Radebe on a season-long loan to Betway Premiership side Richards Bay FC in an attempt to secure him more regular game time.

However, that move failed to unfold as planned. The loan spell was cut short prematurely due to limited opportunities on the pitch, hindering his progress at a critical stage of his career.

With his Chiefs chapter closed, Radebe has since been attempting to rebuild his reputation in the lower tiers, and the current assessment at Leicesterford City may now represent a crucial turning point.

Leicesterford City eye top-eight push

Leicesterford City endured a challenging 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign, finishing 12th on the table.

They collected 34 points from their 30 league fixtures, leaving the club some distance from the promotion race and short of their ambitions.

The technical team is now banking on players with top-flight experience to inject quality and composure into the squad, and Radebe’s background in the DStv Premiership could prove valuable if he secures a deal.

The club’s hierarchy is believed to be targeting at least a top-eight finish in the coming season as they attempt to reposition themselves as genuine contenders in the second tier.

Further midfield reinforcements lined up

In addition to Radebe’s assessment period, Leicesterford City are also set to strengthen their midfield options through the loan market.

KickOff reports that Marumo Gallants midfielder Dimakatso Mashao is heading to Leicesterford City on loan, in what would be another significant addition to the club’s engine room.

If both moves are completed, Leicesterford City would add depth and experience to a squad that struggled for consistency last term, as they look to climb the Motsepe Foundation Championship table and edge closer to South Africa’s top flight.