Lebogang Maboe backs Kaizer Chiefs to challenge on all fronts this season in historic treble charge

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Maboe says Amakhosi are firmly targeting all remaining silverware this season, with the club setting its ambitions at the highest possible level.

The Glamour Boys’ push for trophies has often been played down, largely due to the struggles they endured in recent seasons. However, the confidence gained from finally ending their long wait for silverware by lifting the Nedbank Cup at the end of the 2024/25 campaign has proven significant, injecting belief and renewed purpose into the squad.

That long-awaited triumph appears to have unlocked renewed belief within the squad, with Chiefs already surpassing expectations this season. 

As their continental campaign gathers momentum ahead of the decisive final three group-stage fixtures, few would have anticipated that Amakhosi would simultaneously emerge as serious contenders on the domestic front.

Their 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night propelled Chiefs into second place on the Betway Premiership standings, leapfrogging third-placed Orlando Pirates to open up a one-point advantage. 

Even with games in hand, Pirates are likely to feel the sting as Chiefs surged past them, particularly in a season where the Glamour Boys were never expected to be such close competitors at this stage.

Man of the match against Gallants, Maboe — who joined Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season — delivered his most impressive performance since arriving at Amakhosi and played a pivotal role in securing the victory. 

Reflecting on the result, the midfielder expressed satisfaction at helping his side overcome a resilient Gallants outfit.

“It’s been a very tough couple of months for me,” Maboe told SuperSport after his side’s win.

“I would just like to thank the man above for the talent he has given me and the opportunities I get to be on the field.

“It wasn’t an easy game — tough opponents who wanted to impose themselves — but I think we wanted it more than they did, hence we got the result.”

As one of the squad’s most experienced players having been part of Sundowns’ most successful years, Maboe will offer leadership and composure — qualities that will be vital as Chiefs balance their domestic ambitions with their continental commitments. 

He was also pleased with his own contribution and the role he played in guiding the team through difficult phases of the contest.

“I had to calm things down a bit. I felt at times the game was going back and forth, so I had to control it a bit, boost our confidence and keep the ball, and that worked very well in the first half.

“In the second half, not so much, but we got the result and that is all that matters right now.”

With ambitions firmly set on a league title push, continued progress in the Caf Confederation Cup, and a defence of the Nedbank Cup crown, Maboe believes Chiefs possess the mentality and quality to challenge on all fronts during the remainder of the campaign.

“We are carrying a very heavy badge, and it is a privilege to be part of this prestigious team. We want to leave this T-shirt in a better state than we found it. For us, it’s about fighting for silverware — we have three to play for this season, and we are definitely aiming very high.”