Lebohang Maboe deflected praise to his teammates after picking up his third straight Player of the Match award in Kaizer Chiefs' 3-1 win over Orbit College. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe downplayed his growing list of individual accolades after claiming a third consecutive Player of the Match award, insisting his performances are a reflection of collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
Maboe once again played a pivotal role as the Amakhosi came from behind to defeat Orbit College 3-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday afternoon. The result extended Chiefs’ unbeaten run to three matches and strengthened their hold on third place in the Betway Premiership standings.
The experienced midfielder has now collected three successive Man of the Match awards, having previously been recognised in victories over Magesi FC and Durban City FC. Despite the impressive run, Maboe was quick to deflect the spotlight.
“You know, I’m just a mere recipient of this award, honestly. It goes to the hard work that we have put in as a team and helping one another,” Maboe said.
“We all played in the same direction and I just happened to receive the award. But great work by my teammates.”
Chiefs were forced to work for the result after a slow start in Gqeberha, where Orbit took the lead midway through the first half. Mbulelo Wagaba capitalised on a lapse in concentration to hand the hosts an early advantage, leaving Amakhosi chasing the game.
Maboe acknowledged the early struggles but highlighted the team’s response as a key factor in securing the win.
“I’m very excited about the performance. Well, we didn’t start the game well, especially in the first 20 minutes. But we kept on fighting and never gave up,” he added.
“It was a matter of saying, ‘Hey, gents, let’s wake up. Let’s get that first goal'.”
That response came just before half-time, shifting the momentum in Chiefs’ favour before a dominant second-half display sealed the comeback victory. Maboe’s influence in midfield continues to be a driving force behind Chiefs’ resurgence, but his focus remains firmly on the collective as the Soweto giants build momentum in the race for continental qualification.
With confidence growing and consistency improving, Amakhosi appear to be finding their rhythm at a crucial stage of the campaign.