Clubs have continued to be accused of having a stigma around players over 30, as former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Lebese has been clubless for over three years.
Recently, talented and well experienced players such as Kermit Erasmus, Keagan Dolly, Sifiso Hlanti, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Luvuyo Memela and Bongani Zungu are some of the big-name players, over the age of 30, who find themselves without clubs.
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Lebese has been in the rejected list since parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2019 as he could not find a club for six months before he was rescued by American club Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
After one-and-half year playing for Switchbacks, the former Amakhosi star could not return to America, after his contract was terminated by mutual consent following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lebese has been looking for a club in the PSL since March 2021 and after rejections, he has alleged that South African clubs have a stigma against players over the age of 30.
"It's different when you're on the wrong side of 30, soccer is something else. You know you have to beg for contracts," Lebese said on Izinja zeGame with Josta Dladla YouTube Channel.
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"Not in other countries, but here at home, when you're on the other side of 30, they don't look at what you can produce, they look at, 'Can we make business with this guy?' And if they can't make business, they won't sign you.
"You're not going to get that in South Africa [where teams appreciate experience]. Some are lucky enough but its not easy. I saw an article when I was trying to get back that I was asking for a lot of money, it was not even about the numbers, for me it was just the love. When I saw how things are done, it did not sit well with me, that's why I thought let me try to hustle on the other side of things. It was challenging," the 35-year-old said.
Lebese, who is yet to officially retire, also expressed regret of leaving Chiefs for Sundowns in 2017 and believes had he stayed at Amakhosi, he would still be playing at the club.
