Latest news with #LebohangMaboe
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
SuperSport United's survival hopes fade as Orlando Pirates pounce
Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United's Lebohang Maboe contest possession during their Betway Premiership clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night. Photo: BackpagePix There remains the unresolved matter of Matsatsantsa's abandoned match against Golden Arrows, which could impact the final points tally. That clash, originally played in February, was level at 1-1 when the lights failed, and the teams were unable to begin the second half. Matsatsantsa a Pitori lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium – their second successive defeat while playing catch-up to 15th-placed Cape Town City. The two sides are now level on 26 points with one game each remaining, although SuperSport enjoy a better goal difference. Games in hand are clearly of little value until they are made to count. SuperSport United can certainly attest to this as they struggle to secure their place in the Betway Premiership. As SuperSport, the home side, failed to provide a backup generator to counter load-shedding, it is likely that the points will be awarded to Arrows. Regardless of the ruling, SuperSport still hold their fate in their own hands. They need only beat Richards Bay on Saturday or at least match Cape Town City's result in their match against a Stellenbosch FC side determined to secure third place. On a night when Orlando Pirates handed goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla his debut in celebration of his 24th birthday, Mohau Nkota scored the only goal in the second half to help the Buccaneers narrow the gap on champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Substitute Karim Kimvuidi made a strong run from deep in midfield before threading a precise pass to Nkota inside the box. The youngster controlled with his right foot, shifted the ball to his inside and fired a low shot that went through defender Aphiwe Baliti's legs and past goalkeeper Thakazani Mbanjwa. That was the decisive moment as the Buccaneers secured all three points, though SuperSport were unlucky not to equalise in the 88th minute. Pogisho Sanoka delivered a superb high ball from the right, and Nyiko Mobie rose unmarked to head at goal, only for the ball to ricochet off the upright with Dladla well beaten. The match had produced a number of half-chances early on, but none were converted. Lebohang Maboe blasted over from inside the box just before half-time, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi blocked a Keegan [surname missing] shot two minutes after the break as SuperSport attempted to start the second half with intensity. Mbanjwa then did well to deny Nkota after a superb pass from Tshegofatso Mabasa capped a fluid Pirates attack. Earlier, there had been a scare when Christian Saile collided with Dladla, leaving both players sprawled on the pitch and seemingly injured. Fortunately, both recovered and continued as Pirates claimed the win, leaving SuperSport in a perilous position near the foot of the table.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns star sparks transfer war amid drama
Mamelodi Sundowns star sparks transfer war amid survival drama. As the Betway Premiership season heats up with SuperSport United battling to avoid the drop, one man has risen above the chaos, Lebohang Maboe. Since his loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns in January, the 30-year-old midfielder has turned heads with consistent and commanding performances. Now, multiple PSL clubs have entered the race for his signature. Maboe's revival at SuperSport United has made him one of the most-watched players in the league. Clubs across the Premier Soccer League are now closely monitoring his situation ahead of the June transfer window. A source confirmed that Maboe is generating serious interest but emphasized that SuperSport United remains keen to retain his services. 'Interest has always been there even before he went on loan to SuperSport United. But it's not good to mention the other PSL club at the moment because SuperSport United are with the player right now. But yes, the interest is there and we will see after the end of the season. I don't think he is going back to Sundowns,' the source revealed. Maboe's future remains uncertain. While he hopes to return to Sundowns and fight for his place, the final decision doesn't rest with him. His current contract with the reigning champions runs until June 2026, meaning any move would require Sundowns' approval. 'He was loaned out to get more game time and he believes that he could still go back and fight for his place next season. It won't be easy but he still has a year to go on his contract as it expires in June 2026 so Sundowns have to be part of the decision no matter what happens. The interest will be directed to Sundowns,' the source added. Maboe has played a pivotal role in SuperSport United's fight to stay in the PSL. His experience, energy, and tactical discipline have bolstered the midfield and added much-needed resilience to the squad. Having previously starred for Maritzburg United, Maboe brings leadership and composure under pressure, qualities that have become invaluable as SuperSport scrambles for top-flight survival. With the season winding down and clubs preparing for the off-season shuffle, Maboe's next move could shake up the PSL landscape. Whether he returns to Sundowns, commits to SuperSport, or joins a new suitor remains the burning question. What's certain? The eyes of the league are firmly on Lebohang Maboe. Stay tuned with The South African as Mamelodi Sundowns star sparks transfer war amid drama. Will Maboe leave Sundowns, permanently join SuperSport or try a new adventure? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
