The ever popular Club Captain Lebrun Mbeka is to continue his third spell with Guiseley AFC after signing a new contract with the club and he is looking forward to an all-out assault on gaining promotion, writes Rachel O’Connor.
Mbeka, 29, is optimistic for the new season under manager Ian Richards. He said: “I believe in the manager, the squad and the Board of Directors we have and I am confident that with the new additions that we will be challenging for a return to National League North and eventually the National League. I admit to shedding a few tears when Guiseley got relegated but we need to get back there.”
He added: “It is up to us now as players to make that happen as the manager and Board have put everything else in place. We have to do everything we can when we go out there on the pitch as the club needs it and deserves it.”
Mbeka can play either in central defence or midfield and he relishes the chance to play a more advanced role in midfield with the opportunity to score goals but says he will play anywhere the manager wants him to – even in goal if necessary!
Speaking of the manager he said: “When Ian came in we were fighting relegation and he got us moved up. He is a good manager and there is a good atmosphere around the place – in the changing room and out on the pitch.
“The club has ambitions moving forward, they want to get back to the National League where they belong but first we have to get back to National League North and that is our target. I think we now have the squad to accomplish that.
“Off the field things are moving forward too and the new stand at the Railway End and the proposed Fan Zone will all add to that. The supporters are a massive part of this club.”
So far Mbeka has made 141 appearances for The Lions scoring ten goals in that time but he would like to see a greater return on that front. He said: “I may not get chance though as we now have Jordan Thewlis, who did so well last season, being joined up front by Aaron Martin who was a goal machine when last at Guiseley.
As the club took up the option to sign Mbeka for another season he said: “I am really excited to sign for another season at Guiseley, a big club with big ambitions to get back where they belong. The manager has brought in some new players with good experience and everything is looking good.”
Mbeka first joined the club in 2020 after impressing in trials but his first season was cut short by the Covid outbreak. He re-signed for the following season but then got the opportunity to sign for Boston United. He returned to Guiseley on loan in the 2022-23 season before re-joining the club permanently.
He started his career with Sheffield FC and later played for Tadcaster Albion, Ossett Albion, Ossett United, Goole and Parkgate.
