Baloyi: Maboe Is Very Important To Chiefs
by Tiyani wa ka Mabasa · Soccer LadumaFormer Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lucky Baloyi says Amakhosi have it in them to finish in third position this season and gave special praise to one player.
Baloyi, who played for Chiefs between 2010 and 2017, was sharing his thoughts with Soccer Laduma following Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Durban City at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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“Sometimes, you can’t say they scrapped a win. Sometimes it’s about winning and I think the win will boost their confidence, which would be good for them going forward,” reflects Baloyi.
“I think it’s a good result for Chiefs. Durban City is not an easy team and don’t forget, every team that plays against Chiefs makes it a tight game.
“I was impressed with the way Chiefs rotated the ball. What I saw was a Chiefs team that was prepared. If you check the way the team defended as well, especially towards the end, you can tell they wanted the three points.”
Baloyi admitted that the league title could be out of Chiefs’ reach especially being 15 points behind log leaders and rivals Orlando Pirates. However, Baloyi told this publication that a third-place finish would still be respectable.
“There’s still a lot of games and I think position three is a realistic target,” he says.
“The league? I won’t lie, Chiefs is far behind. But it doesn’t mean that if they are not able to fight for the league, there’s nothing to play for. Position three may not be a bad finish. Right now, the team is not where it’s supposed to be, but position three would be acceptable.”
Baloyi concluded by singing the praises of midfielder Lebohang Maboe, who was named Man of the Match on the day. Maboe collected the award for the second time since he signed for Chiefs at the beginning of the season.
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“There’s stability in that midfield whenever he plays, since he arrived,” notes Baloyi, who was nicknamed Sheriff for his midfield command.
“The way Lebo plays shows he’s someone who’s giving his all. I’m not saying the other players are not giving their all, no. I just think Maboe is very important to the team. He works hard and that’s the mentality you need when you play for Chiefs,” he adds.
Chiefs will be back in action on Saturday, 21 March, when they host Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.