Frustrated Lebese challenged to double his efforts at Sundowns
Lebese joined Sundowns from Kaizer Chiefs last season with huge expectations, but has now turned into a spectator at Chloorkop.
George Lebese (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi has challenged George Lebese to double his efforts if he wants to start games at the Brazilians.
Lebese joined Sundowns from Kaizer Chiefs last season with huge expectations but has now turned into a spectator at Chloorkop.
He was also left behind this past weekend as Sundowns defeated AmaZulu 2-1 to lift the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup at Ulundi Stadium on Saturday.
“Believe me, it is very difficult to play for Sundowns. If I were to give you that position as the coach now and say okay I’ve not been playing Anthony Laffor and George,” Mngqithi told IOL.
READ: Lebese feeling pressure at Sundowns
“That position is the position that Mshishi (Themba Zwane) is playing. It is also the position that Gaston (Sirino) is playing. It is also a position that Ali Meza is playing. It is also a position that Pitso, the youngster (Siphelele Mkhulisi) is playing. Aubrey Ngoma is also playing that position.
“It is not easy for us because if we put that one ahead of that one, it is purely because at training we see that he is going to do better. When he is not playing well it gives an opportunity to ask why that one is not playing.”
Lebese, who started 10 PSL matches and netted twice for Sundowns last season, is yet to make an appearance for the Brazilians this season.
“It is not about him accepting what I’ve just said. It is all about him fighting for himself. He must fight,” Mngqithi elaborated.
READ: Get rid of me, I am a problem – Pitso
“Fortunately when you’ve been a big player maybe it is very difficult to come to a team where you are not perceived as one of their key players.
“He (Lebese) is a very good player, believe me. He one of the most technically (gifted) players that I’ve worked with.
“I’ve just prayed that he gets an opportunity one day and he takes it because it is about getting an opportunity and taking it. All these players have heard their own opportunities and they don’t take them.”
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