Lebohang Maboe backs Kaizer Chiefs to challenge Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns

Maboe brings valuable experience to the Chiefs squad, having spent seven years under contract at Sundowns before moving to the Soweto giants. His understanding of the standards required at one of the country's dominant clubs gives weight to his belief that Chiefs can challenge their biggest rivals.

"I think we've got the squad. We've got the team. We've got the coach to help us do that [compete with Pirates and Sundowns]," Maboe told the media at Naturena.

However, the experienced midfielder knows having a strong squad will not be enough. Chiefs need to turn their potential into consistent performances and, ultimately, silverware.

"But we need silverware as well to put smiles on our fans' faces. Not just our fans, but we also want to leave a legacy. We want to leave the jersey in a better place.

"So, the only thing right now is being consistent and trying to win more games."

Maboe also believes the club's training camp in Spain has helped the squad understand new coach Fernando Da Cruz's philosophy.

"The training we had in Spain gave us a lot of time into how we want to play, video analysis, sitting down as a group with the coach trying to explain how he wants us to play," he said.

The midfielder has also earned praise from Da Cruz, who has identified him as an important leader within the squad.

Da Cruz believes Maboe's experience and leadership qualities can benefit both the senior players and younger members of the team.

"He is a leader for us on and off the field. He has a lot of experience. I'm happy about his performance as he is a natural leader on and off the field. I expect that he will continue the way he has done," said Da Cruz.

Amakhosi are currently preparing for their Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

The Glamour Boys sit fourth on the log with eight points, five points behind joint leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, while they trail third-placed AmaZulu by two points.