CAPE TOWN - Bafana Bafana midfielder, Lebohang Maboe, has joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Maritzburg United just a day before Masandawana start their title defence in the Premiership.
Sundowns announced the signing on Twitter on Friday morning, but the cost of the transfer and the length of Maboe’s contract has not been revealed by either club at this stage. Maboe is an attacking midfielder and will help Sundowns fill the gap left by left the departures of Khama Billiat to rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Percy Tau to Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion.
“We wish Lebo all the best at Sundowns. This is a good platform for him to elevate his career and continue to progress,” Farook Kadodia, Maritzburg United chairman, told the club's website. “He has been a good ambassador and I believe he would have stayed at the club but every player has ambitions.”
Maboe, 23, helped Maritzburg to one of their best ever seasons in the previous campaign. The club finished fourth in the league and suffered a narrow loss to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup final. His impressive former also saw him debut for Bafana in the COSAFA Cup in July.
“It is difficult to refuse an offer like that. I think there was a bit of pressure on his shoulders and eventually we had to grant him his wish,” Kadodia added. “We are proud to say that he was inspired and pushed at the Team of Choice. The Maritzburg fans demand a lot of our players and we are happy to have helped to develop him.”
Sundowns kick-off their league campaign against Chiefs on Saturday, while Maritzburg play their opening fixture against KwaZulu-Natal rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday.
"I can't wait to get onto the pitch with my new team mates" LM 👆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 3, 2018
We can't wait to see you on the pitch Lebo! 🔥
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 3, 2018