Lebohang Maboe is a South African professional soccer player who has made a name for himself both domestically and internationally. Born on September 17, 1994, Maboe has played for several clubs throughout his career and has also represented South Africa at the international level. In this article, we will take a closer look at his life, career, playing style, and future prospects.
Early Life and Background: Maboe was born in Ratanda, Gauteng, and grew up in a family that was passionate about soccer. His father, Sidwell Maboe, was a former player for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates, and he played a significant role in shaping his son’s career. Maboe began playing soccer at a young age and showed great promise from the start. He went on to represent his school and local club teams before being scouted by professional clubs.
Club Career: Maboe started his professional career with Maritzburg United in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key player. He helped the team reach the final of the Nedbank Cup in 2018 before moving on to Mamelodi Sundowns later that year. Since joining Sundowns, Maboe has won several trophies, including the South African Premier Division and the CAF Champions League. He has also been named the club’s Player of the Season twice.
Key Takeaways
- Lebohang Maboe is a South African professional soccer player who has played for several clubs throughout his career and has also represented South Africa at the international level.
- Maboe started his professional career with Maritzburg United in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key player.
- Since joining Sundowns, Maboe has won several trophies, including the South African Premier Division and the CAF Champions League.
Early Life and Background
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up in Bloemfontein, where he developed a passion for soccer at a young age. Maboe started playing soccer on the streets and local fields of his hometown, where he honed his skills and dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player.
Maboe’s family played a significant role in nurturing his talent. His father, Sidwell Maboe, was a former Orlando Pirates player, and his uncle, Tebogo Mokoena, played for Bloemfontein Celtic. Their experience and guidance helped Maboe develop his skills and passion for soccer.
Maboe attended Bloemfontein Celtic’s soccer academy, where he continued to develop his skills and grow as a player. He eventually caught the attention of Maritzburg United, a South African Premier Division club, and signed with them in 2016.
During his time with Maritzburg United, Maboe established himself as a talented and versatile player, capable of playing multiple positions on the field. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the South African national team in 2018.
Overall, Maboe’s early life and background played a significant role in shaping him into the talented and dedicated soccer player he is today.
Club Career
Beginnings and Youth
Lebohang Maboe started playing football at a young age and showed great potential. He joined the Maritzburg United academy and progressed through the ranks. Maboe’s impressive performances in the academy earned him a call-up to the first team.
Professional Debut
Maboe made his professional debut for Maritzburg United in 2014, where he played as an attacking midfielder. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team and caught the attention of other clubs in the league.
Notable Achievements
In 2018, Maboe signed for Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the biggest clubs in South Africa. He helped the team win the South African Premier Division in his first season with the club. Maboe was named the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament in 2018 and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player in the same year. He also won the Telkom Knockout in 2019 and the Nedbank Cup in 2020 with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Current Club Statistics
Maboe is currently playing for Mamelodi Sundowns as an attacking midfielder or forward. He has made 3 appearances in the Premier Division during the 2023-2024 season, playing a total of 29 minutes. Maboe is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, making him a dangerous player in the final third of the pitch.
| Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamelodi Sundowns | Premier Division | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Maboe’s career has been on an upward trajectory, and he has established himself as one of the best attacking players in the South African Premier Division. With his skill, determination, and work ethic, Maboe is sure to continue making an impact for both club and country.
International Career
National Team Debut
Lebohang Maboe received his first international call-up to the senior national team ahead of the 2017 COSAFA Cup, after his impressive performances for Maritzburg United. He made his debut for the South African national team on July 2, 2017, in a 1-0 win against Botswana. Maboe came on as a substitute in the 74th minute and made an immediate impact, setting up the winning goal for Percy Tau in the 81st minute.
International Caps and Goals
Since his debut, Maboe has been a regular member of the South African national team. As of April 2024, he has earned 35 caps and scored 5 goals for his country. He has played in various international tournaments, including the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Significant Tournaments
Maboe played a significant role in the South African team that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He started in all six matches of the tournament and scored two goals, including the opening goal in the final against Egypt. His performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Maboe scored a crucial goal in the 2-0 win against Ghana, which helped South Africa secure their place in the World Cup. He also played a vital role in the team’s 1-1 draw against Nigeria, which was considered one of the toughest matches of the qualifiers.
Maboe’s consistent performances for the national team have made him one of the key players in the South African squad. His versatility, work rate, and ability to score goals have made him a valuable asset to the team.
Playing Style and Position
Lebohang Maboe is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, but he is primarily an attacking midfielder or right winger. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for his teammates. He is also a good finisher who can score goals from inside or outside the box.
Maboe’s playing style relies heavily on his technical ability and quick decision-making. He is not afraid to take on defenders and can often beat them with his pace and skill. He is also a good passer who can find his teammates in tight spaces. His work rate is also impressive, and he is known for his defensive contributions as well.
In terms of his position, Maboe is most comfortable playing on the right-hand side of the pitch. He can play as a traditional winger who hugs the touchline and delivers crosses into the box, or he can play as an inside forward who cuts inside and shoots on goal. He can also play as an attacking midfielder who operates in the central areas of the pitch and links up with the forwards.
Overall, Maboe’s playing style and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team. His ability to play in multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively make him a complete player who can make a difference in any game.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Lebohang Maboe is a versatile player who is comfortable playing in various positions. He is known for his technical ability and excellent ball control, which allows him to dribble past defenders with ease. Moreover, he possesses great vision and is capable of making incisive passes that can unlock even the tightest of defences. His pace and acceleration make him a threat on the counter-attack, and he is not afraid to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.
However, Maboe’s main weakness is his lack of physicality. He is not the tallest player on the field, and he can struggle against more physical opponents. Additionally, he can sometimes be overly reliant on his left foot, which can make him predictable and easier to defend against. Maboe also needs to work on his finishing, as he has missed some clear-cut chances in front of goal.
Despite these weaknesses, Maboe’s strengths more than make up for them. He is a hardworking player who is always looking to improve his game. His versatility and technical ability make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Off-the-Field
Lebohang Maboe is not only a talented footballer but also a philanthropist and a brand ambassador. In this section, we will take a closer look at his charitable work and his endorsements and sponsorships.
Charitable Work
Maboe is passionate about giving back to his community and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. In 2020, he partnered with the South African National Blood Service to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. He also donated blood himself and encouraged his fans to do the same.
In addition, Maboe is an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation and has participated in various events to honor the late South African leader. He has also been involved in initiatives to empower young people and promote education in disadvantaged communities.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
As a successful footballer, Maboe has attracted several endorsements and sponsorships. In 2021, he was announced as the new brand ambassador for Shield South Africa, a leading antiperspirant brand. He has also been associated with brands such as Nike and MTN.
Maboe’s success on the field and his popularity off the field have made him a sought-after personality for endorsements and sponsorships. His down-to-earth personality and commitment to giving back to his community make him a role model for young people in South Africa and beyond.
Awards and Honors
Lebohang Maboe is a highly decorated player, having won numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He has been recognized for his exceptional performances both at club and national team levels.
Club Honors
Maboe has won several club honors during his career, most notably with Mamelodi Sundowns. He has won the South African Premier Division twice, in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Additionally, he has won the Nedbank Cup in the 2019-20 season and the Telkom Knockout in 2019.
Individual Honors
Maboe has also been recognized for his individual performances. He was named the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament in 2018 and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player in the same year.
International Honors
Maboe has represented South Africa at the international level. Although he has not won any major international tournaments, he has been instrumental in helping South Africa qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Overall, Maboe’s impressive collection of honors and awards is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work on the pitch. His contributions to his teams have not gone unnoticed, and he continues to be a key player for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
Media Presence and Public Image
Lebohang Maboe has a strong media presence and is known for his impressive skills on the field. He has been featured in various news outlets and has a significant following on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.
Maboe is highly active on social media and regularly shares updates about his life, training sessions, and games with his fans. He has over 100k followers on Instagram and uses the platform to showcase his personal style and fashion sense.
Maboe has a positive public image and is respected by fans and fellow players alike. He is known for his dedication to the sport and his professionalism on and off the field. Maboe has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including working with organizations that support underprivileged children in South Africa.
Overall, Lebohang Maboe is a well-respected athlete with a strong media presence and positive public image. His dedication to the sport and his community have earned him a loyal following and the respect of his peers.
Future Prospects and Career Outlook
Lebohang Maboe has already established himself as one of the most exciting players in South African football. His impressive performances for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team have attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
Maboe’s versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him an attractive proposition for many clubs. He is equally comfortable playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or forward. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a potent attacking threat.
Maboe’s technical ability and tactical awareness have also improved significantly over the years. He is now more disciplined and tactically astute, which has helped him become a more complete player.
If Maboe continues to perform at the same level, he is likely to attract interest from clubs in Europe. He has already been linked with several clubs, including Scottish giants Celtic and French side Stade Rennais.
However, Maboe is still under contract with Mamelodi Sundowns until 2026, and the club is unlikely to let him go easily. He is an integral part of the team and has helped them win several titles over the years.
In conclusion, Lebohang Maboe has a bright future ahead of him. He is a talented and versatile player who has the potential to play at the highest level. If he continues to work hard and maintain his current form, he could become one of South Africa’s greatest footballers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the background and early career of Lebohang Maboe?
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He started his youth career at Harmony Academy before moving to Bloemfontein Celtic in 2014. Maboe made his professional debut for Bloemfontein Celtic in 2015, where he played as a midfielder.
Who are the notable family members of Lebohang Maboe in soccer?
Lebohang Maboe’s father, Sidwell Maboe, was a former professional soccer player who played for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates. Sidwell Maboe was a striker, and he inspired his son to play soccer.
What has been Lebohang Maboe’s contribution to the South Africa national team?
Lebohang Maboe made his debut for the South Africa national team in 2018. He has since become a regular member of the team, playing as an attacking midfielder or forward. Maboe has contributed to the national team’s success in various competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
How has Lebohang Maboe’s career progressed at Mamelodi Sundowns?
Lebohang Maboe joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, and he has since become an integral part of the team. He has played as an attacking midfielder or forward, and he has helped the team win several titles, including the South African Premier Division and the CAF Champions League.
What are some of the personal achievements and awards of Lebohang Maboe?
Lebohang Maboe has won several personal awards throughout his career. In 2018, he was named the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament. He was also named the Player of the Month for the South African Premier Division in August 2018 and February 2019.
How has Lebohang Maboe’s personal life, such as marital status, been received by the public?
Lebohang Maboe has kept his personal life private, and there is no public information about his marital status or relationships.