Lebohang Maboe is a South African professional soccer player who has made a name for himself as an attacking midfielder or forward for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. He was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng. Maboe’s father, Sidwell Maboe, was also a professional soccer player who played for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates.
Maboe began his career at Maritzburg United before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018. He has since become a key player for the club, helping them win several domestic and continental titles. Maboe has also been a regular member of the South African national team, earning several caps and scoring a few goals.
Key Takeaways
- Lebohang Maboe is a South African professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
- Maboe has become a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns, helping them win several domestic and continental titles.
- He has also been a regular member of the South African national team, earning several caps and scoring a few goals.
Early Life and Background
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up in a football-loving family, with his father Sidwell Maboe having played for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates. Lebohang was inspired by his father’s career and started playing football at a young age.
Maboe’s talent was evident from a young age, and he was soon scouted by local clubs. He joined Mbombela United, a team in the Glad Africa Championship, where he made his professional debut. After impressing with his performances, he was signed by Maritzburg United, where he played for two seasons.
Maboe’s performances caught the eye of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the top teams in South Africa, and he was signed by the club in August 2018. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team and has helped them win multiple titles.
Despite his success, Maboe remains grounded and dedicated to improving his game. He is known for his hard work, discipline, and professionalism both on and off the pitch.
Club Career
Youth and Early Career
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He began playing football at a young age and joined the Harmony Academy, where he honed his skills and developed his talent. Maboe’s impressive performances caught the attention of several clubs in South Africa, and he signed his first professional contract with Maritzburg United in 2016.
Professional Debut
Maboe made his professional debut for Maritzburg United in the 2016/2017 season. He quickly established himself as a key player, scoring six goals in his first season. His performances helped Maritzburg United finish in fourth place in the league, their best finish in the club’s history.
Rise to Prominence
Maboe’s impressive performances for Maritzburg United caught the attention of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the biggest clubs in South Africa. In August 2018, Maboe signed a five-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, helping them win several trophies, including the PSL title in the 2018/2019 season.
Current Club Contributions
Maboe is known for his versatility and can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or forward. He has excellent dribbling skills, pace, and can score goals from a distance. In the 2020/2021 season, Maboe played a crucial role in helping Mamelodi Sundowns win the PSL title for the fourth time in a row. He scored six goals and provided seven assists in 29 appearances, making him one of the best players in the league.
International Career
Lebohang Maboe made his international debut for South Africa in 2017 during the COSAFA Cup. Since then, he has established himself as a regular member of the national team.
National Team Debut
Maboe received his first call-up to the senior national team in 2017 after his impressive performances for Maritzburg United. He made his debut in the same year during the COSAFA Cup, coming on as a substitute in the quarterfinal match against Tanzania.
Major Tournaments
Maboe was part of the South African squad that participated in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt. He played in four out of the five matches, contributing to the team’s journey to the quarterfinals.
Notable Performances
Maboe’s notable performance for the national team came during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In the match against Sudan, he scored a brace, helping South Africa secure a 2-0 victory.
Overall, Maboe’s international career has been promising, and he continues to be a valuable asset to the South African national team.
Playing Style and Position
Technical Skills
Lebohang Maboe is a technically gifted player with excellent dribbling ability and ball control. He is known for his quick feet, which allow him to maneuver past defenders with ease. Maboe is also an accurate passer, capable of delivering precise through balls and crosses. His vision and creativity on the ball make him a valuable asset to any team.
Physical Attributes
Maboe is a quick and agile player, with good acceleration and top speed. He has a low center of gravity, which makes him difficult to dispossess. Despite his relatively small stature, Maboe is strong and able to hold off defenders. He is also an excellent jumper, which allows him to win aerial duels and score headers.
Positional Versatility
Maboe is primarily a right winger, but he is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or forward. His versatility allows him to adapt to different formations and tactics. Maboe’s work rate and defensive abilities make him an effective player in a pressing system. He is also capable of dropping back to help defend when needed.
In summary, Lebohang Maboe is a technically gifted, quick, and versatile player who can play in a variety of attacking positions. His technical skills, physical attributes, and positional versatility make him a valuable asset to any team.
Statistics and Achievements
Club Level Stats
Lebohang Maboe has been a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns FC since joining the team in 2018. As of the current season (2024), he has made over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions. In the 2022/23 season, he scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 29 appearances. In the current season (2023/24), he has already scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist in 18 appearances. Maboe’s attacking prowess has helped Mamelodi Sundowns FC win several titles including the DStv Premiership and the Nedbank Cup.
International Level Stats
Lebohang Maboe has also represented the South African national team on several occasions. As of May 2024, he has made 17 appearances for the team and scored 3 goals. He made his debut for the national team in 2018 in a friendly against Angola. Maboe’s performances for the national team have been impressive, and he has been an important player in the team’s recent campaigns.
Awards and Honors
Lebohang Maboe has won several awards and honors throughout his career. In 2018, he was named the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament after helping Maritzburg United reach the final. He has also been named the Mamelodi Sundowns FC Player of the Season on two occasions (2019/20 and 2021/22). In addition, he has won several team honors with Mamelodi Sundowns FC including the DStv Premiership, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League.
Overall, Lebohang Maboe’s impressive statistics and numerous achievements highlight his talent and importance as a player both at club and international level.
Off-the-Field
Philanthropy
Lebohang Maboe is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career. In 2019, he donated school shoes to underprivileged children in his hometown of Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He has also been involved in fundraising events for various causes, including cancer research and education.
Endorsements
Maboe has been endorsed by several brands throughout his career. In 2020, he signed a deal with Nike, becoming one of the brand’s ambassadors in South Africa. He has also been endorsed by Puma and Adidas. Maboe’s popularity has made him a sought-after figure for brands looking to tap into his large following on social media.
Media Presence
Maboe has a large media presence, with over 300,000 followers on Instagram. He is known for his fashion sense and often shares pictures of his outfits on social media. Maboe has also been featured in various magazines and television shows, including GQ South Africa and Top Billing. His popularity has made him a household name in South Africa, and he is often recognized in public.
Personal Life
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Heidelberg, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up in a football-loving family, with his father also being a former professional footballer. Maboe has two siblings, a brother, and a sister.
In his free time, Maboe enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family. He is also known for his love of fashion and has been spotted wearing trendy outfits on and off the field.
Maboe is a private person and does not share much about his personal life in the media. However, he has been vocal about his love for his country and his desire to represent South Africa on the international stage.
Influence and Impact on the Sport
Lebohang Maboe’s impact on the sport of soccer in South Africa cannot be overstated. He has been a standout player since his early days in the game and has continued to make a name for himself at the highest level of competition.
One of the ways in which Maboe has influenced the sport is through his versatility. He is capable of playing multiple positions, including attacking midfielder and forward, which makes him a valuable asset to any team. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions on the pitch has also helped him to stand out from his peers.
In addition to his skills on the field, Maboe has also become a role model for young players in South Africa. He has spoken openly about the challenges he faced early in his career and has encouraged others to work hard and never give up on their dreams. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to improving his skills have inspired many young players to follow in his footsteps.
Overall, Lebohang Maboe’s impact on the sport of soccer in South Africa has been significant. He has proven himself to be a skilled and versatile player, as well as a role model for aspiring athletes. As he continues to play at the highest level of competition, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a positive impact on the sport and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Future Prospects and Potential
Lebohang Maboe has already established himself as one of the most promising footballers in South Africa. However, he still has a lot of room for growth and development. With his impressive skill set and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the best players in the country.
Maboe’s versatility is one of his biggest assets. He is capable of playing in multiple positions, including right-wing, central midfield, and attacking midfield. This means that he can adapt to different tactical systems and provide value to his team in various ways.
In addition to his technical abilities, Maboe is also a hard worker. He is known for his high work rate and his willingness to track back and defend when necessary. This makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can contribute both offensively and defensively.
As Maboe continues to gain more experience and refine his skills, it is likely that he will attract interest from top clubs both in South Africa and abroad. If he continues to develop at his current rate, he could become a key player for the South African national team and a star in the global football scene.
Overall, Lebohang Maboe’s future prospects and potential are very promising. With his talent, versatility, and work ethic, he has the potential to achieve great things in the world of football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notable achievements of Lebohang Maboe in his soccer career?
Lebohang Maboe is a highly skilled soccer player who has achieved several notable accomplishments throughout his career. He has won multiple league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns, including the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. Additionally, he has been named the Premier Soccer League Player of the Season in 2018/2019 and has earned several other individual accolades.
How has Lebohang Maboe’s performance impacted Mamelodi Sundowns?
Lebohang Maboe has been a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns since joining the team in 2018. His exceptional performance on the field has helped the team win multiple league titles and has contributed to their overall success. Maboe’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions have also been valuable assets to the team.
What is the background and early life of Lebohang Maboe?
Lebohang Maboe was born on September 17, 1994, in Ratanda, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up playing soccer and eventually joined the youth academy at Maritzburg United. Maboe made his professional debut with Mbombela United before moving on to Maritzburg United and then Mamelodi Sundowns.
What are the key statistics and playing style of Lebohang Maboe?
Lebohang Maboe is a versatile player who can play several positions, including attacking midfielder and forward. He is known for his speed, agility, and technical ability on the ball. Maboe is also an excellent finisher and has a knack for scoring important goals. In terms of statistics, he has scored over 20 goals and provided numerous assists throughout his career.
Who are Lebohang Maboe’s family members involved in soccer?
Lebohang Maboe’s father, Sidwell Maboe, was a former professional soccer player who played for Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates. Maboe’s brother, Thabang Maboe, is also involved in soccer and currently plays for Highlands Park FC.
What endorsements and sponsorships is Lebohang Maboe associated with?
Lebohang Maboe has several endorsements and sponsorships, including a deal with Nike. He has also been featured in several advertising campaigns for brands such as MTN, Standard Bank, and Vodacom.
