Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe has opened up on his journey of making a comeback to the team, having struggled with injury in the past.
Maboe's journey at Chloorkop has come with challenges, particularly with injury along the way. Yet, despite the setbacks, he has kept on fighting and he is getting more opportunities to feature in the team under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
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Ahead of the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC this Saturday, Maboe has a realistic chance of getting an opportunity to play and it's all done to the work he has put in to ensure he is in great shape.
"Coming to a big team such as Mamelodi Sundowns, you know that there are other top quality players. But for me, it' always been the dreams that I had and what I wanted to accomplish. It has not been an easy journey, but getting more game time comes down to me taking care of myself, on the field and outside. Knowing that I am not getting any younger and getting that extra massage if I have to. We've got pools here, we've got a masseuse I can use...just taking care of my body a lot more than I used to before," he told media during a press conference held at Chloorkop on Wednesday afternoon.
Sundowns, of course, are the overwhelming favourites heading into the final, but they cannot make the mistake of thinking that the job is done before they even get onto the pitch.
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"We've been saying we want to play finals and we are grateful for the opportunity to play in the final. We are all just looking forward to it," Maboe said.
"It's always difficult with such teams, but we are fortunate we have been able to analyse. We have to know we are Mamelodi Sundowns and we have a responsibility to the team. We know it's not going to be easy. We have to give them the respect. It's every players' dream to play in a cup final and we always say once we are there then we might as well go all the way and win the cup final."
