Lebohang Maboe Returns to Kaizer Chiefs With ‘Unfinished Business’

Lebohang Maboe has officially sealed his return to Kaizer Chiefs, a move he describes as a homecoming years in the making. The versatile midfielder, who previously starred for Mamelodi Sundowns, believes rejoining Amakhosi is about more than football. It is about fulfilling a promise he once made to himself.

“I wanted to be back home. I wanted to one day play for Kaizer Chiefs, senior team that is, because I felt like, in how I also left, I had somewhat unfinished business with the team. Being back home right now is such a great feeling,” Maboe said.

Maboe was speaking at the Nedbank multipurpose court handover at Phulong Secondary School in Springs, where he shared the emotional weight of his decision. His departure from Chiefs during his development years has long been a topic among fans, but Maboe insists the past is not important now.

“To be quite frank and straightforward to you, I don’t think how I left matters. I’m back home right now, and I mean this with all due respect, respectfully so,” he said.

Talks of his return began in June, shortly after it became clear that Sundowns would not be renewing his contract. Chiefs showed interest immediately, but Maboe’s comeback was delayed by shoulder surgery. Despite the setback, the club stood by him.

“Once I knew that I wasn’t going to go back to Sundowns, that’s when the talks started. But it was just unfortunate because I had a shoulder surgery that I had to undergo,” he explained.

He praised Chiefs for their patience during his recovery. “I thank the team, they’ve been so patient with me. Now just being back home, all I’m looking to do is to repay the faith that they’ve showed in me and just continue to work hard.”

Maboe’s return is significant for both the player and the club. For Chiefs, it is a chance to strengthen their midfield with a proven performer. For Maboe, it is the fulfillment of a journey that started years ago at Naturena and one he feels compelled to finish.

With his experience, versatility, and determination, Maboe is expected to play a key role in Chiefs’ ambitions this season. His story of leaving, growing elsewhere, and returning to complete unfinished business adds a powerful layer to his comeback.