Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has admitted that it was difficult to lose a player of George Lebese's calibre.
Lebese left Amakhosi and joined Mamelodi Sundowns last week on a three year deal.
Komphela reacted for the first time since Lebese's departure.
"It not easy losing a player of Lebese's calibre. The kid grew up at Chiefs. He spent nine years here. It is not easy. He was part of the family. It is part of the business. It was bound to happen. Barcelona want to sign Philipe Coutinho and Liverpool want to keep him but in the end they are going to lose him. It is a pity we lost him. He is one of the greatest players we've ever had. We wish him luck." Komphela explained.
Lebese was registered by Sundowns in the CAF Champions League but they are still waiting for the confirmation from the African soccer body.
He was signed with an intention of replacing Keagan Dolly who joined Montpellier FC.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are out of yet another competitive cup competition ahead of the start of the league season.
They lost to a solitary goal scored by Supersport United's striker Jeremy Brockie in the quarterfinal of MTN 8 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.