logo
Legend names his Orlando Pirates Player of the Season

Legend names his Orlando Pirates Player of the Season

Lucky Lekgwathi played 226 games for Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. He should know what a Player of the Season looks like.
With Orlando Pirates finishing second behind Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024/25, including an MTN8 title, Lekgwathi believes Sipho Chaine was the best player at the Orlando Stadium.
Chaine, born in Bloemfontein, Free State, 28 years ago, finished the season with 11 clean sheets for the Sea Robbers, while also earning consistent Bafana Bafana call-ups. Orlando Pirates team against Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal
'For me, Sipho Chaine,' Lekgwathi answered after he was asked by iDiski Times to name his Player of the Season at Orlando Pirates.
'He had his best season and even got called up to Bafana Bafana. It shows you that you are doing great when you get a call-up. In defence – Mbokazi.
'I know he came in late; he is a gem, he is something else, we have really invested in him. And [Deon] Hotto as well, most of the time he played at left-back and he excelled there,' the former Orlando Pirates skipper added.
'So for me, Hotto has to win that one. In midfield, it's very tough, but obviously Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] is topping it. Yes, [Thalente] Mbatha and [Evidence] Makgopa had a good season, but Rele was outstanding and Nkota was coming.
'And in the striking department, it's [Tshegofatso] Mabasa because he scored the most goals,' Lekgwathi added.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Breaking: Sundowns denied their second star by Fiston Mayele
Breaking: Sundowns denied their second star by Fiston Mayele

The South African

time6 hours ago

  • The South African

Breaking: Sundowns denied their second star by Fiston Mayele

Fiston Mayele scored yet another important goal as Pyramids defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate to win the CAF Champions League on Sunday evening. The first leg ended 1-1 after the Egyptians scored a late goal in Pretoria. Coming into Sunday's second leg, Downs needed to win or force a scoring draw. Mayele opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after his shot beat Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams. The Brazilians came close to equalising before half-time but Tashreeq Matthews missed a golden chance. In the second half, Pyramids made it 2-0 thanks to Ahmed Samy's goal. Sundowns pushed forward and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Iqraam Rayners pulled one back. The Egyptian giants defended with their lives to hold on for the victory and claim their first-ever CAF Champions League title. This was Sundowns' first final in nine years, having won the competition in 2016. After drawing 1-1 at home, some fans felt Masandawana may have lost the final when they conceded a late goal Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye told iDiski TV, that Sundowns were less confident going into the final 'Sundowns were supposed to win here (at home), so going away is not going to be easy. As I said when the Champions League started, Sundowns will never win it. They have quality players and they are a quality team but going to the game, they don't have the confidence to win away,' he said. 'Personally, I don't think they will trouble Pyramids. They will have their moment, but their coach…' The former winger said the match will likely finish 0-0 after extra time or end with Pyramids winning. 'I see the game finishing 0-0 or it will end 2-1. Sundowns will probably score but won't win the game. Mayele is going to score tomorrow (against Sundowns), he will score the winning goal.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Pyramids crowned kings of Africa in CAF Champions League showdown After Sinking Mamelodi Sundowns
Pyramids crowned kings of Africa in CAF Champions League showdown After Sinking Mamelodi Sundowns

IOL News

time6 hours ago

  • IOL News

Pyramids crowned kings of Africa in CAF Champions League showdown After Sinking Mamelodi Sundowns

Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns is challenged by Ahmed Atef of Pyramids during the CAF Champions League final, second leg, on Sunday at 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Photo: BackpagePix PYRAMIDS (2) 2 Mayele 23', Samy 56' MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (0) 1 Rayners 75' Pyramids won 3-2 on aggregate It was a case of 'so close, yet so far' for Mamelodi Sundowns as they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown after losing 3–2 on aggregate to Pyramids in the final. Sundowns lost 2–1 in the second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday night, courtesy of goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy, having drawn 1–1 in the first leg at home, Loftus Versfeld. The Brazilians were their own worst enemies in Cairo, conceding both goals through avoidable errors in each half. Mayele capitalised on a poor clearance by Grant Kekana in the first half, pouncing inside the box to unleash a low-driven strike past the goalkeeper. The DRC-born striker made no mistake with the opportunity. Samy ensured the match was all but sealed early in the second half when Mohamed Chibi delivered a delightful set-piece behind the defensive wall, which Samy headed home with precision. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, rifling home a deflected loose ball to offer a glimmer of hope for the visitors. In the end, it was a perfect night for the Pharaohs, who were crowned champions of the continent for the first time in their history. Sundowns will be hugely disappointed, having come within one match of returning to the summit of African football for the first time since 2016. A continental crown would have been a fitting reward for Sundowns, who have dominated domestic football over the past eight years, winning eight successive Premiership titles. They have also made significant strides on the continental stage and will represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.

Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target breaks silence on transfer talk
Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target breaks silence on transfer talk

The South African

time10 hours ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target breaks silence on transfer talk

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have been circling one of the PSL's brightest young prospects, Yanela Mbuthuma of Richards Bay FC. But the 23-year-old striker has finally broken his silence, downplaying the growing speculation while sharing his amazement at receiving a surprise call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad. Since his move to the Natal Rich Boyz at the start of the 2022/2023 season, Mbuthuma has steadily carved out a name for himself. He quickly became a first-team regular and has since amassed 10 goals and eight assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. Mbuthuma's consistent form caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Mozambique and Tanzania. Despite his growing reputation, the humble forward admits he was stunned by the news. 'I'm very happy that I have been given an opportunity and was called to the national team,' said Mbuthuma, as quoted by FARPost . 'I was very shocked when I got this opportunity because I wasn't expecting it. When I first started playing football, I wasn't even picturing myself at this level. So, I'm still shocked.' Mbuthuma's name has been frequently mentioned in connection with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. With reports suggesting that both clubs have made enquiries. However, any potential move won't come cheap, he recently signed a new five-year deal with Richards Bay, firmly committing his future to the club. Despite the noise, Mbuthuma says his focus remains firmly on his personal growth. 'I don't pay attention to that a lot because I play to entertain people. Not because I wanna impress big teams,' he said. 'For now, that's not in my mind. I'm still okay at Richards Bay, so I can just prove myself even more.' Mbuthuma's grounded approach sets him apart in a league known for quick rises and even quicker falls. With his eyes fixed on improving as a player, and not on glamour moves or headlines. He is quietly becoming one of South African football's most exciting prospects. Whether he eventually makes the leap to a Soweto giant or continues to shine at Richards Bay. One thing is certain, Yanela Mbuthuma is a name you'll be hearing a lot more of. Will Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target be a good fit for either club? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store