FORMER Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabang Lebese is recovering in the Helen Joseph Hospital after he was admitted for an undisclosed illness.

Lebese was admitted to the hospital on Saturday and is believed to be making steady progress. According to his mother, Meisie, Lebese was in a bad condition when he was admitted but is now showing signs of progress.

"He was admitted on Saturday but I'm happy he is making progress, She said.

"He could not speak when he was admitted. I expect him to be released soon."

The hospital has also confirmed that Lebese, who also played for Orlando Pirates and Ria Stars, is a patient.

But spokeswoman Lovey Mogapi would not reveal the nature of Lebese's illness, nor his progress.

"It is true that Lebese has been admitted to the hospital but unfortunately I'm not in a position to comment on his condition," she said.

Lebese spent years at Chiefs, helping the Soweto Glamour Boys to win a lot of trophies.

Former teammates Isaac "Shakes" Kungoane, Pollen "Trompies" Ndlanya and Mark Williams paid him a visit yesterday.

According to Kungoane, with whom Lebese formed a deadly partnership during their playing days, the former midfield player is recovering well.

"He was very happy to see us. We spent some time with him. He was in high spirits and very happy to see the three of us.

"We wish him a speedy recovery," Kungoane said.