As Kaizer Chiefs celebrate their 56th birthday, former defender Isaac
Mabotsa shared a funny behind-the-scenes story from the Naturena training
grounds involving the late Thabang Lebese and then-coach Paul Dolezar.
Speaking to PSLSA, Mabotsa recounted a memorable attempt by the
mischievous winger to cover up his chronic lateness during Dolezar’s final
season with the club.
“One funny story I can remember… the late Thabang Lebese was always late
at training, coming with excuses and all that,” Mabotsa began. “Lebese was
30 or 45 minutes late and he parked his car [by the freeway], he opened
the car bonnet and painted himself with greasy oil (to make himself
dirty).”
Lebese then arrived at the change room, pretending he had broken down and
jogged to training. “Dolezar asked him why he was late, and he said, ‘I
got stuck somewhere in Soweto and I came here jogging’,” Mabotsa recalled
with a laugh.
The ruse was short-lived. “Dolezar… went to the other side of the
fence… and he saw Thabang’s car parked on that side. He came running and
shouting, ‘He’s lying! He’s lying! His car is there!'” Mabotsa said.
“Thabang felt like he could go underground and hide. We were all
laughing… but put him in the field, you will see the result.”
Reflecting on that era, Mabotsa praised the unity and mentorship within
the squad, which featured stars like Siyabonga Nomvethe, Jabu Mahlangu,
Thabo Mooki, and Arthur Zwane. “During that time, we were so united… the
senior players were always there to advise us.”
He contrasted that with the modern game, noting, “These days… the
players are not that united, maybe that’s something that is lacking in our
culture.”
