Mamelodi Sundowns forward George Lebese has revealed how he was ordered to lose weight before he could be part of the team after his arrival from Kaizer Chiefs.

Having arrived in the off-season from the Amakhosi, Lebese endured a difficult debut campaign for the Brazilians as he made just 16 appearances in all competitions.

The former Chiefs man has revealed how he was ordered to lose weight by the management staff, but now he is fit and ready to fight for a spot in the team for the next campaign.

Lebese said that Pitso Mosimane put him on a strict fitness regime as his extra weight was slowing down his adaptation to the team’s playing style.

‘For me, it came as a surprise [being told to lose weight]. I didn’t actually think I had a little bit more weight because I never had that problem before,’ Lebese conceded.

‘When it was mentioned to me to lose two to three kilos, they showed me videos of my old games and the reason why the team had to come and get me – it was because of certain movements and runs, so that becomes difficult when you have that excess weight.

‘It was important even for my confidence, so I had to lose that weight. I had to cut on the food and train extra. I was training like four times a day – three times with the team and once on my own, late [in the evening].

‘I was given a timeframe, so I knew I wouldn’t be part of the team until I’m done with that programme. I had to push really hard and it worked for me.’

Following a rather underwhelming first season with the Brazilians, Lebese is now looking forward to the promising 2018-19 season after speaking to the club’s hierarchy.

‘Yeah, my first season was a good learning curve. I’ve already sat with the management and they told me exactly what’s expected of me [going forward].

‘I didn’t get as much game time as expected this season, but it’s promising. I was told I’m still part of the team, so I’m happy to be here and hopefully, next season will change.’