Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has lauded the impact of Lebohang Maboe, pictured, and centurion Mduduzi Shabalala as Amakhosi continue their perfect start to the year. Photo: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has emphasised the importance of Lebohang Maboe in the team setup, while also praising Mduduzi Shabalala, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club. Maboe returned to Chiefs during the winter transfer window after honing his skills in the club’s youth ranks.
The 31-year-old was recovering from an injury when he arrived at Chiefs, which meant he spent some time in the medical room before joining the rest of his teammates at training and eventually on the pitch. Since becoming match fit, Maboe has looked like his old self – the same Maboe who won multiple titles with Mamelodi Sundowns – as he has controlled Chiefs’ engine room and rekindled a productive partnership with Siphesihle Ndllovu. Maboe’s contribution has inspired Chiefs to a perfect start to the year, winning all four matches across all competitions: two in the Betway Premiership and two in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage against Zesco United. “I think Maboe is one of the important players for us; he’s a smart player and a professional for us,” said Ben Youssef of Maboe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, after the team’s 1-0 win over Zesco in their fourth match of the group stage.
