Former Bafana Bafana midfielder George Lebese admits that his dream of playing for his hometown club Mamelodi Sundowns turned into a nightmare.

The 30-year-old arrived at Sundowns from Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the 2017/18 but spent the last six months of last season on loan at Pretoria neighbours SuperSport United.

However, the Mamelodi-born star midfielder was released from his contract on the last day of the 2019/20 pre-season transfer window

‘Sometimes things don’t work out in football, and sadly my time at Chloorkop was just one of those things … I don’t harbour any ill-feeling about it,’ Lebese said in a statement posted on social media.

‘It was a chapter of my career where I learned, grew and acquired immense mental development qualities for myself during the experience.

‘I will forever be grateful and take these improved qualities with me everywhere that I go.’