George Lebese Reveals He Rejected a R230,000 Monthly Offer from Kaizer Chiefs
Former Kaizer Chiefs star George Lebese has opened up about one of the biggest regrets of his football career — turning down a lucrative offer from the Soweto giants back in 2017. Speaking in a recent interview with Robert Marawa on Radio 947, Lebese revealed that Chiefs had offered him a staggering R230,000 per month to renew his contract. However, he chose to leave the club for Mamelodi Sundowns, a decision he still regrets.
At the time, Lebese was struggling for game time under then-coach Steve Komphela. Zimbabwean winger Edmore Chirambadare had become the preferred choice on the left wing, leaving Lebese sidelined. Feeling frustrated by his lack of opportunities and seeing no clear path back into the starting lineup, Lebese felt forced to make a move.
“It wasn’t about the money or the contract. Chiefs offered me more, but it was about playing time and my relationship with the coach,” Lebese explained. “I could see that I was not going to play. The offer was around R230,000 per month, which was more than what Sundowns was offering. But I still said ‘no.’”
Lebese, who is now 36 years old, admitted that leaving Chiefs was a mistake that ultimately led to the decline of his career. His dream move to Mamelodi Sundowns, a club known for its star-studded squad, did not turn out as planned. Although he initially featured regularly, Lebese quickly fell down the pecking order as competition for places intensified.
His stay at Sundowns was short-lived. The winger found himself loaned out to SuperSport United just six months after joining Sundowns. That loan spell effectively marked the beginning of the end of his career at Chloorkop. He struggled to find consistent game time and never regained the form that once made him one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Reflecting on the decision, Lebese admitted that the financial gain could not compensate for the lack of playing time and the downward spiral his career took after the move. “Looking back, I regret the decision. Staying at Chiefs would have been better even if I wasn’t playing as much. I didn’t know what I was walking into at Sundowns,” he added.
Lebese’s story serves as a cautionary tale for many players facing similar crossroads in their careers — sometimes chasing greener pastures can come at a higher cost than expected. Despite the lucrative offer from Chiefs, Lebese prioritized playing time, but unfortunately, the gamble did not pay off.
Today, George Lebese continues to reflect on that pivotal moment, recognizing that decisions made off the pitch can shape a player’s entire career. His career serves as a reminder of the importance of considering all aspects — not just financial — when making major moves in professional sports.
