Lebese ready to deliver for Sundowns
JOHANNESBURG: George Lebese shook his head and produced a wry smile before he was even asked the first question because he knew the direction the interview would take.
The 29-year-old’s debut season at Mamelodi Sundowns was underwhelming since his move from Kaizer Chiefs to his boyhood club. Lebese argued that he didn’t want to be average anymore, which is why he chose to make the switch.
He didn’t have an average season like Amakhosi who finished with nothing for a third season in a row. Lebese finished with the Absa Premiership title and tasted football in the group stage of the Caf Champions League for the first time. But he played only one full match in 10 league appearances. Behind the scenes Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane was pushing him which resulted in Lebese shedding 6kg.
“Nothing went wrong with me last season. I just needed time to understand what the coach required from me. It was a learning season. There are no excuses in the upcoming season. I know what the coach wants, so I am just waiting for my chance,” Lebese said.
“I have regular conversations with him because I need feedback to know what I need to improve. Obviously I would like to play. Working with someone who is as demanding as him improved me as a player. He also once said that if I moved into another team, I’d just fit in nicely because of the amount of work we’re putting in together. Even though I am not playing, there’s a lot of work that we’re doing behind the scenes. He is happy with my progress. I am just waiting for my opportunity. I have never worked this hard in my career.”
The lad from Mamelodi has an opportunity to stake his claim in the Sundowns’ starting XI following the departure of Khama Billiat and Percy Tau. Lebese could get his chance tomorrow night at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the Brazilians’ clash with AS Togo-Port at 9pm. Sundowns have three points from three matches in the group stage of the Champions League. They are three points behind Wydad Casablanca who sit at the summit of Group C.
“The club is expected to reach the final or at least the semifinals of the Champions League,” Lebese said. “We can’t settle for just reaching the group stage with the quality that we have. It’s disappointing to find ourselves in this situation. Mamelodi Sundowns is required to win the Champions League. We haven’t been doing well so we have to get ourselves out of this situation. We have ourselves to blame for being here. We could have won those matches so now we need to rectify that.”
Lebese is positive about Sundowns’ turnaround and his future at the club. Being in an environment where he isn’t the main man has humbled him and made him to work even harder to be the star again.
“I can’t sulk. It won’t help me with anything. I need to work hard. But I am happy here,” Lebese said. “I knew that it was going to be a challenge coming here. I have to live up to the expectations. I prepared myself for this mentally so I will deliver.”