“One thing about Pirates is that there’s continuity; they are playing with the same style as the old generation,” said Lekgwathi during the interview with FARPost.
Looking at 2002 and 2003, when Pirates were promoting the likes of Joseph Makhanya and Lebohang Mokoena. It’s coming back now.
“You see the likes of Rele [Mofokeng], he reminds me of Lebohang Mokoena and [Mohau] Nkota reminds me of Gift Leremi. So, I think Pirates don’t change too much even when the new coaches come in.”
Mofokeng and Nkota have played pivotal roles in Pirates impressive run this season across all competitions.
Since earning promotion to the first team, Nkota has scored fgive goals and registered three assists in 29 appearances. Meanwhile, Mofokeng has netted 16 goals and provided 20 assists in the 81 appearances he has made in Pirates colours.
Lekgwathi says the Buccaneers have been doing the same, particularly under the leadership of Jose Riveiro, who’ll step down as Pirates coach at the end of the season.
The club has brought through several talented young players, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Thabiso Sesane, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Lekgwathi drew comparisons between the current youngsters and former Pirates players, stating that Mofokeng brings to mind ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena, while Nkota reminds him of Leremi.Phinda Mzala’, as Lekgwathi is famously known, joined Ezimnyama Ngenkani in July 2002 from Ria Stars and remained with the club for the rest of his career.
He has praised the Sea Robbers for their consistent development of players who successfully make the step up and shine in the first team.
He recalled the likes of Joseph Makhanya [now Pirates DDC coach], Leremi and Mokoena, who became the club’s key players after being promoted from the development team.
Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has identified two of the club’s youngsters who remind him of Gift Leremi and Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena.
Lekgwathi, one of Pirates’ most successful captains in history, played alongside Leremi and Mokoena after their promotions to the senior team in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
