George Lebese has pleaded with Mamelodi Sundowns fans for patience as he looks to establish himself in the squad following his move from Kaizer Chiefs.
The former Amakhosi winger has failed to hit the ground running at the Chloorkop-based outfit, featuring six times with three appearances off the bench.
‘Obviously I am not happy with the contributions that I have made so far to Mamelodi Sundowns‚’ he told Times Live.
‘As a player you want to be playing every match but I respect the decision of the coach because I know that the players who are playing ahead of me are doing well at the moment.
‘I am asking the Sundowns fans to be patient with me because I am doing all I can to make them happy and contribute to the success of the team,’ he added.
When asked about the reasons as to why he might be struggling at Pitso Mosimane’s side, Lebese highlighted a few elements.
‘It is a combination of many factors. I am learning how to do things differently under a new coach‚ a new system and in a different environment, but things are looking up and I am hopeful that things will be better as the season progresses.
‘I am not expecting that we will have a long break anyway‚ but my plan is to continue working on my fitness right through the Christmas break so that when we resume I am in good physical condition.
‘At the moment‚ the team is doing very well and we want to end the season on a high and give our supporters something to enjoy this festive season.
‘It is not going to be easy, but we will try to get all the nine points in our remaining three games of the year against Maritzburg, Bloemfontein Celtic and Cape Town City,’ he added.
Lebese’s teammate and Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana highlighted that the standard of the local league has improved.
‘I think if you look at the league‚ the only challenge we have is to score goals. But the brand of football that the teams are playing is very‚ very good.
‘And‚ if you check‚ nobody is guaranteed a win. So it says a lot about our league… we are doing a good job.
‘Looking at the [UEFA] Champions League‚ which is very competitive‚ in comparison our league is [also] very tough and difficult.
‘In the Champions League everyone plays percentage football where all you have to do is apply your mind to games. Unlike here where you are forced to play,’ he concluded.
