Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to drop Lebohang Maboe from their Club World Cup squad has sent shockwaves through South African football—especially at a time when Kaizer Chiefs are hunting for midfield reinforcements.
Just days after Sundowns confirmed the exits of Sipho Mbule and Rivaldo Coetzee, it now appears that a third high-profile midfielder—and former Chiefs development star—may be next in line for the exit door.
Maboe, who spent the second half of last season on loan at SuperSport United, is suddenly at a crossroads in his career. Despite making 15 appearances, scoring once, and providing an assist for Matsatsantsa, his future at Chloorkop has become alarmingly uncertain.
A report from Soccer Laduma reveals that Maboe will not travel with the Sundowns squad to the FIFA Club World Cup—a telling sign that he’s not in coach Miguel Cardoso’s immediate plans.
“Players who were out on loan will not be traveling with the team,” the report states. “Maboe still has a contract with Sundowns, but a final decision on his future will only be made during or after the Club World Cup.”
With the recent arrival of Jayden Adams, competition in Sundowns’ midfield has intensified, further pushing Maboe toward the fringes. This has opened the door for Kaizer Chiefs, who are actively scouting for a central midfielder as part of their rebuild under new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The big question now: Will Chiefs pounce on the opportunity to bring Maboe back home?
Chiefs have long admired Maboe, a player who once honed his skills in their youth ranks before launching a professional career elsewhere. His return could add much-needed creativity and experience to Amakhosi’s midfield.
But nothing is certain yet.
Sundowns may still opt to retain him—or worse, offload him to a rival abroad. Chiefs fans, meanwhile, are holding their breath
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