George Lebese Reveals Why He Left Kaizer Chiefs for Mamelodi Sundowns
Former Kaizer Chiefs star George Lebese has finally opened up about the reasons behind his shock departure from the club in 2017. Despite being offered a more lucrative contract at Chiefs, he chose to sign with Mamelodi Sundowns, a decision that would later prove to be challenging for his career.
A Successful Career at Kaizer Chiefs
Lebese joined Amakhosi in 2008 from Arcadia Shepherds and became an integral part of the squad. He played a key role in helping the club secure two league titles in the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons. However, under the management of Steve Komphela, his playing time became limited, which prompted him to look for a new challenge elsewhere.
The Decision to Leave Chiefs
Speaking to Robert Marawa on MSW on 947, Lebese admitted that he knew his opportunities at Chiefs were dwindling. “I could see I was not going to play,” he stated, referring to his struggles under Komphela.
Surprisingly, Chiefs had put forward a contract renewal worth approximately R230 000 per month—more than what Sundowns had offered. However, he revealed that someone who was supposed to be guiding his career had influenced him into making the switch.
Also read: Soccer Salaries in Gauteng: What Top PSL Players Are Earning in 2025
“For whatever reason, I think he was benefiting more from the Sundowns move than from my renewal at Chiefs. He didn’t directly tell me to leave, but he pushed me in a way where I ended up saying what he wanted me to say,” Lebese explained.
Growing up as a Sundowns supporter and wanting to make his family happy also factored into his decision. “It came at the right moment,” he admitted.
Regrets Over Disappointing Bobby Motaung
Lebese also spoke about his regret in letting down Kaizer Chiefs’ football manager, Bobby Motaung. He recalled the difficult conversation where he turned down Chiefs’ offer.
“I still remember sitting across from him when he put the renewal contract on the table. When I told him I wasn’t renewing, he was in shock. He didn’t see it coming,” Lebese said.
After signing with Sundowns, Lebese felt guilty about his decision and reached out to Motaung to apologise. “I sent him messages a few weeks later, and when I met him in person, I apologised again. He’s one person I feel I disappointed immensely.”
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs Drama: Khune Raises Concerns Over Team’s Inconsistency
A Difficult Spell at Sundowns
Lebese’s time at Sundowns did not go as planned. Struggling for game time, he was loaned to SuperSport United, but the move didn’t work out either. In 2019, he left for the United States to play for Colorado Springs Switchbacks, but his career came to an abrupt halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now retired from professional football, Lebese has set his sights on becoming a football analyst. Looking back, he acknowledges the weight of his decision to leave Chiefs but believes it was a lesson in his football journey.
