Boost for Sundowns as Chiefs sell them unsettled Lebese

KAIZER Chiefs say they have released star midfielder George Lebese, to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at the players’ request. Amakhosi football manager Bobby Motaung was quoted on the club’s website late yesterday confirming the 28-year-old had been sold to his boyhood and claimed he’d be happy to wear any football jersey as long as he is on the pitch. Sundowns had been looking for a replacement for Bafana international Keagan Dolly, who joined French Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier released him at his request. Kaizer Chiefs do not stand in the way when players express their desire to leave. It’s our policy and we wish Lebese well.”

Chiefs will now likely hunt for their own replacement of the winger and have until August 31, when the transfer window shuts. The sale of Lebese means the Glamour Boys will now host SuperSport United tomorrow night in Durban minus a player who was certainly popular with the fans, but not so much with coach Steve Komphela. He featured in 22 league appearances last season, mostly from the bench as he played second fiddle to Edmore Chirambadare.

He becomes the third big name signing for Sundowns so far following the arrival of Ghanaian goalkeeper Brimah Razak and Orlando Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa last week.

The Brazilians host Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday, but it is unlikely Lebese will feature, while Manyisa could be on the bench at least. @superjourno