Cedric Kaze salutes Kaizer Chiefs' Lebogang Maboe’s high football IQ ahead of Zesco clash

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has highlighted the growing influence of Lebogang Maboe, hailing the midfielder as one of the key pillars in Amakhosi’s push for consistency during the second half of the season.

The 31-year-old has not featured as regularly as some of his teammates, making seven appearances in all competitions so far, but his impact has been far greater than the numbers suggest.

Maboe’s intelligence, composure and ability to connect play have quickly endeared him to the Naturena faithful, with his assured performances earning increasing appreciation from the stands.

That influence was most evident on Wednesday night, when Maboe delivered a polished player-of-the-match display in Chiefs’ league victory over Marumo Gallants. Operating with calm authority in midfield, he dictated tempo, linked defence to attack and provided the kind of control Chiefs have often lacked in recent seasons.

Kaze was full of praise for the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, emphasising the value of experience and decision-making in a squad still finding its balance. “He’s a player with such a big football IQ, he’s a player who can find solutions and is always positioned very well and he likes to play forward and we need those types of players alongside his big experience,” said Kaze.

Maboe’s resurgence comes at an important time for Chiefs, who are juggling domestic ambitions with continental commitments. The midfielder has added structure and calm to a side that has shown defensive solidity but has, at times, struggled to control matches for long spells.

Attention now shifts to Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Zesco United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, a fixture that could define Chiefs’ hopes of progressing beyond the group stages. Speaking ahead of the clash, Maboe reflected on Amakhosi’s encouraging start to 2026, while stressing the importance of maintaining focus.

“I think we’ve had a very positive start to 2026 and collectively I think we’ve been working very hard and collecting points as well so I think what’s important for us is to keep our feet on the ground and keep going,” he said. The midfielder is under no illusions about the challenge posed by Zesco, describing them as tricky opponents, but remains confident in Chiefs’ ability to deliver when it matters most.

“It's a very important game for us this coming weekend because we need the points to get out of the group stages. We know it won’t be an easy game because they are a very awkward team to play but I believe our quality and our depth, I believe we can get all three points.”

For Chiefs, Maboe’s form could yet prove decisive as the season reaches its defining stretch.