Kaizer Chiefs star tells Pirates and Sundowns to buckle up – ‘We’ve got the squad’

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe is confident that his team has what it takes to compete for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title this season, citing their recent experience in continental football as a key factor in their development.

Maboe believes that participating in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup has prepared Amakhosi to go head-to-head with perennial contenders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

He pointed to their recent 1-1 draw against Sundowns as evidence of their newfound ability to compete at the highest level.

Maboe warns Pirates and Sundowns

“We’ve got the squad to challenge Pirates and Sundowns. We’ve got the team, we’ve got the coach,” Maboe stated, referring to new head coach Fernando Da Cruz as per Times Live.

“We need silverware; we want to put smiles on our fans’ faces as well. We also want to leave a legacy… we want to leave the jersey in a better place. If there were any doubts in anyone’s head, I think that performance against Downs showed that we are capable.”

Although Chiefs did not advance past the group stage of the Confederation Cup last season—finishing third in Group D behind Al Masry on goal difference—the 31-year-old midfielder insists the experience was invaluable.

Chiefs star on what gives them belief

“Playing in the Confederation Cup helped a lot in us giving that performance against Downs because we are now used to playing at a high-intensity game or level,” he explained. “The Confed Cup shaped us to be able to compete at that level.”

Under the guidance of Da Cruz, who took over from interim co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, Chiefs have started the season unbeaten with two wins and two draws in their first four league matches.

Maboe added that the squad has responded well to the new coach’s methods. “We’ve adapted very well to our new coach. We were so looking forward to working with him, and I also think hearing a different voice and new ideas helped us.”

Kaizer Chiefs will look to continue their strong start when they face Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.