George Lebese

George Lebese (born 3 February 1989) is a South African international footballer who plays professionally for Kaizer Chiefs, as a left winger.

Career

Born in Mamelodi, Lebese spent his early career with Jusben, Khona Lapho and Arcadia Shepherds.^[1] Lebese joined Kaizer Chiefs from Vodacom League side, Arcadia Shepherds in July 2008 and made his debut against Maritzburg United on 30 September 2008.^[2] He played only four more league matches in the 2008/09 season.^[3] In 2011–12 pre-season, Lebese played in the opening Vodacom Challenge match against Tottenham Hotspur on 16 July 2011, after glaring misses from debutant Lehlohonolo Majoro and Itumeleng Khune's heroics after saving a volley and a spectacular header from Gareth Bale and a towering Peter Crouch, he scored the winner in added time and slotted the ball past Carlo Cudicini to win 1-0.^[4] He scored his first league goal for Chiefs on 28 September 2011 against Lamontville Golden Arrows in Polokwane. Chiefs were trailing 2-0 and Lebese came in for Josta Dladla in the second half and scored only 7 minutes in the 52nd minute after a cross from Zhaimu Jambo. He nearly got a brace after a horror decision from referee Robert Sithole but Lebese missed a penalty in stoppage time.^[5] He eventually got his first call-up late in 2011.^[6] He finished the season with 2 goals in 21 matches. Lebese got his first league Man of the Match award of his career after a 2-1 win over Black Leopards in September 2012.^[7] Lebese played 23 league matches out of 30 during Chiefs' league and cup double triumph of 2012–13. On 27 July 2013 during the 2013 Carling Black Label Cup, he assisted Chiefs' winning goal after he did superbly well to evade Happy Jele and crossed to Bernard Parker whose header went off the crossbar and Lehlohonolo Majoro blasted home in the 39th minute.^[8] In 2013–14, Lebese scored a stoppage time brace to win 2-0 win in a Nedbank Cup quarter final against Supersport United and was voted Goal.com's South African Player of the Week. He was later linked to Mamelodi Sundowns for his consistent performances throughout the season to help Chiefs' finish runners up.^[9] He scored his first goal of 2014–15 against Free State Stars to help Chiefs get their first 3 points.^[10] He scored his second of the season on 27 August in a 2–0 win over Platinum Stars.^[11] He scored a brace against AmaZulu on 5 November 2014.^[12]

Personal life

Lebese is a Mamelodi Sundowns supporter.^[13] Lebese previously dated South African R&B singer, Bucie.^[14] In February 2015, Lebese turned himself in^[15][16] after assaulting his girlfriend Sizakele Manonga and inflicting malicious damage by smashing the windows of her Porsche in Silverton, Pretoria. He was released on bail for R10000.^[17]

International career

He received his first call-up to the South African national team in November 2011,^[18] making his international debut against Ivory Coast on 11 November 2011.^[19]

References