Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has explained why he was unfazed by the unexpected departure of Thembinkosi Lorch to Mamelodi Sundowns in January.
Lorch’s exit in the previous transfer window left many surprised with the player ending an eight-year relationship with the Soweto giants.
However, Lekgwathi, a highly successful former Pirates captain, revealed he anticipated Lorch’s exit would create an opportunity for Relebohile Mofokeng to shine.
The 19-year-old, Mofokeng has become a key figure for the Sea Robbers, scoring crucial goals last season, including the winner in the Nedbank Cup final.
LEKGWATHI – ‘I SAID THEMBINKOSI LORCH IS CREATING SPACE FOR RELE’
“I always tell people that Pirates is not a one-man team, look at after Lorch left, people were like oh Lorch, Lorch, Lorch,” said Lekgwathi.
“And I told people that if you’re a player, you compete with someone and he leaves the team, you must make sure that you continue where he left.
“This is what I said to them, I said Lorch is creating a space for Rele and people were like, ‘Ah Lucky!’.
“The boy was coming in and people were like, ‘father and son, Lorch and Rele’. So, Rele there is things that he learnt from Lorch.
“When Lorch left, Rele started being a regular and started to perform.”
Reacting to the ongoing club’s squad overhaul, Lekgwathi said most of the most recent exits were no longer regulars. He feels their absence won’t affect the club next season.
Lekgwathi praised the current regulars, acknowledging their contributions so far.
‘PIRATES IS NOT A ONE-MAN TEAM’
“If you look at the players who are leaving, all of them were not regulars,” he added.
“So, most of them played a few games. If you look at the whole season Kermit played how many games? Mpontshane never played a single game.
“Ofori maybe played one or two, yes Monare played and was even at Bafana Bafana but players who have come into his position are doing well.
“Like now in the Nedbank Cup final, they played without him and some of the other games, they came to the party.
“Mbatha, one of the promising youngsters.
“Football is about creating space for other players like now Monare is leaving and Mbatha came to the party and the boy performed very well.
“So, Pirates is not a one man team.
“Players that are leaving are not ordinary players, they are quality players but I think those who came to their positions have done well.
“At every club, you come and one day you will leave. It also happened with us, we came at Pirates and we left.”
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