Touching Base with soccer star Lebohang Maboe on fashion, lifestyle, and fast cars
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Whether he's threading the needle with his sharp dribbles on the pitch, cruising in his fast car, or turning heads with his cutting-edge fashion, he's always in the fast lane no matter where he goes.
You probably wondering who I'm talking about, none other than Mamelodi Sundown's attacking midfielder Lebohang Maboe. The soccer player is undoubtedly in the category of the best stylish players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
GQ touched base in an exclusive chat with Lebohang Maboe, getting insights into his soccer career, the lifestyle of the pitch, and his high-end fashion.
Lebo, your journey in football has been remarkable, from Ratanda Real Hearts to Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. What has been the most defining moment in your career so far?
I think the most defining moment of my career thus far has to be all the goals I’ve set for myself growing up that I’ve been able to fulfill. Growing up in the hood, aspiring and dreaming to become one of the most successful footballers the hood has ever produced, and seeing myself living that dream right now, I have to thank all the coaches who have coached me and the teams I’ve played for to become the footballer I am today.
You come from a footballing family, with your father, Sidwell Maboe, being a former Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates player. How has his influence shaped your approach to the game?
My family has always been very supportive, they’d always show up to give me all the support that I need. Having my dad’s expertise in football makes the journey a whole lot easier. He calls me after every game to reflect on my performance and gives me advice on how I can better myself for the next game. I don’t take that for granted because he is someone who’s played the game and knows what he's talking about. His post-game advice for me has immensely helped shape the player I am today.
Your versatility on the field is well-known, having played in multiple positions for Sundowns. How do you mentally and physically prepare for such adaptability in your game?
I think in the modern game with so much movements on and off the ball as a football player, you have to be able to play 2/3 positions, and understanding the roles is very important. I have always had an open mind when it comes to any “challenge” that presents itself to me. It’s about being a good servant to the club and consistently trying to help the team win in whatever position I’m playing in. The ambition and hunger to succeed and win more games always over weighs where I’m being played. I want to constantly perform well and help the team.
Scoring a hat-trick to secure Mamelodi Sundowns’ tenth PSL title is a career highlight. Can you take us back to that day—what was going through your mind during the match?
It’s crazy because I was speaking to Mshishi (Themba Zwane) before that game and he was saying to me, that when the chances come I must shoot and that I’ll be surprised that if I get one then maybe the second, and third will come. I kept that with me before the game and just wanted to position myself in good scoring opportunities. As soon as I got the first I just had to keep going because we knew the league might be decided on goal difference. So for me, I just wanted to get as many goals as we could get. I knew that the feeling of going back to my loved ones (after so many sacrifices and being away from them for so long) to not coming back with a winning medal would be a pain that would stick with me for a long time. So I had to just keep trying and give it my best.
Beyond football, you have a passion for fashion, travel, and fast cars. How do you balance these interests with the demands of being a professional athlete?
I think everything you’ve mentioned fits well with my everyday life. I enjoy dressing and looking my best when I go to training. I get to travel a lot with the team which evokes more of a travel interest and well of course a fast-paced life only makes sense with fast cars 😂
Fashion is a big part of your life. How would you describe your style, and what are some of your favorite brands or designers?
High-end streetwear and sportswear are my vibe.
•Jil Sander
•Loewe
•Off-White
•Lanvin
•Palm Angels
•Casablanca
•Rhude
Are my favorite current go-to’s.
Traveling has opened up new perspectives for many athletes. What are some of your favorite destinations, and how do these experiences influence your outlook on life and football?
We recently traveled to Austria, the environment and climate are different compared to ours which then contributes to the feel of the play. The pitches are different and well looked after and overall all the atmosphere is different.
Every travel experience is different and outside of football, it makes me dream further. There’s just so much out there for us to explore and enjoy.
Fast cars seem to be a thrill for you. What’s the most exciting car you’ve driven, and what about cars excites you the most?
It would have to be my current daily drive, C63s. It’s definitely the adrenaline that gets me hyped and supercars are quite a sight.
As someone who’s seen the evolution of South African football firsthand, where do you see the sport heading in the next few years, and how do you hope to contribute to its growth?
Generally in life, my goal is to better myself in everything I put my mind to. I still want to win more trophies with the team and inspire the young ones that are coming after me. Beyond football, I want to solidify my entrepreneurial ventures.
How do you stay mentally focused and motivated, especially when facing challenges or setbacks in your career?
I think the game in the coming years is moving in a more scientific direction. Where data analysis is going to be very imperative in players' performances. But it’s also going to be a bit robotic and lose a bit of its purity in that case. I just want to share my 2 cents worth of experiences and knowledge of football and help where I can.
How do you stay mentally focused and motivated, especially when facing challenges or setbacks in your career?
I set myself realistic expectations and try to always celebrate every small win to keep myself motivated and always positive. I keep myself in the right headspace,
setbacks are inevitable in life generally so I always see them as opportunities to grow and learn more about myself.
Finally, what advice would you give to young, aspiring footballers who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
You’ve got to be willing to sacrifice, do extra training, and be willing to work hard. Be coachable, grow a skill of listening attentively, and have the humility to recognize where you need to improve because there’s always room for improvement. Never allow people to dim your light, you’ve only got one shot at life so try to never be afraid of making mistakes.Invest in yourself.