LYLE LAKAY
Transfer: Mamelodi Sundowns to SuperSport United

The 32-year-old re-joined boyhood club SuperSport United on a permanent basis after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract, with the option to extend his stay for another season, after he was deemed surplus to requirement at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The free-kick specialist reunited with head coach Gavin Hunt at Matsatsantsa and showed why he is one of the most respected left-backs in the league by adding value to SuperSport’s defensive and attacking departments.

The 2021/22 DStv Premiership Defender of the Season’s experience in the squad proved fruitful for the Tshwane side with his exquisite crosses and runs down the left flank while also chipping in with the odd goal and assist.

EDSON CASTILLO
Transfer: Monagas SC to Kaizer Chiefs

The Venezuelan international made the move to Kaizer Chiefs from Liga FUTVE Apertura side Monagas SC in July 2023 and quickly became a regular and a key player for the Soweto giants.

The 29-year-old has surely been one of the AmaKhosi’s best foreign players in recent years and had such an impact within the squad, which in turn earned him a call-up to the Venezuela national team for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Castillo has by far been Chiefs’ best signing of the season, having been solid in the midfield with his penetrating passes and game-changing tackles and demonstrating prowess with and without the ball.

The midfielder could potentially play a crucial role next season by attempting to help AmaKhosi get back to their glory days, but that is if they can keep a hold of him next season.

LUCAS RIBEIRO
Transfer: SK Beveren to Mamelodi Sundowns

The Brazilian joined Sundowns before the start of the campaign from Belgian outfit SK Beveren, where he was one of their standout performers in the Challenger Pro League, scoring 11 goals in 31 appearances for the Belgian second-tier side in the 2022/23 season.

Ribeiro needed no time to settle in and continued his form at Sundowns by hitting double figures in terms of goals and providing several assists in the process.

Although the 25-year-old has had a stellar debut season in the PSL, he has yet to reach his full potential at the club, but under the guidance of head coach Rulani Mokwena, he will surely take his game to new heights if they can retain his services next season.

BIENVENU EVA NGA
Transfer: Orlando Pirates to Chippa United

Bienvenu Eva Nga spent one-and-a- half seasons at Orlando Pirates before returning to Chippa United in January to become their first signing after the club’s transfer ban was lifted by FIFA.

The Cameroonian international had a difficult time at Pirates and only netted one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions, playing second fiddle to Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa.

The 31-year-old (above left) needed no time to settle in at the club, and although he has not found the back of the net as often as in his first stint, Eva Nga will play a big role in helping the Chilli Boys avoid relegation and remain in the top flight.

JAMIE WEBBER
Transfer: SuperSport United to Sekhukhune United

The 26-year-old left SuperSport United to join Sekhukhune United on a free transfer at the start of the campaign and he has been their shining light this season.

Despite struggling for form and consistency, Webber solidified his place in Babina Noko and became a regular starter, despite facing stiff competition for a place in the midfield from seasoned campaigners Kamohelo Mokotjo and Pogiso Mahlangu.

The midfield engine is one of the most hard-working players in the league in attack and defence, given his work rate on the pitch, having scored and assisted in a number of goals in his debut season for the club.

Webber has the potential to grow and develop his craft even further to become one of the top players for his club and the league.

PATRICK MASWANGANYI
Transfer: SuperSport United to Orlando Pirates

Patrick Maswanganyi parted ways with SuperSport United and made the big switch to Orlando Pirates as a free agent at the start of the season.

The Tembisa-born winger wasted no time in locking down his position in the Buccaneers’ starting line- up, showing his technique and vision to either take on defenders himself or create excellent passes to expose the opposition’s defence.

Maswanganyi has been a great asset to Pirates this season, having beaten out the likes of Monnapule Saleng, Deon Hotto, Katlego Otladisa and Relebohile Mofokeng for his role in the team. and his talent and creativity is second to none.

WAYDE JOOSTE
Transfer: Maritzburg United to AmaZulu

Wayde Jooste (left) has rediscovered his form since joining AmaZulu from Maritzburg United in August 2023.

The Gqeberha-born star has shown glimpses of the same form he found during his time at Golden Arrows, in which he scored six goals and assisted three in 64 appearances, cementing his place within the Usuthu starting XI.

Jooste has since made the right-back position his own under the guidance of Pablo Franco Martín, fending of competition from the likes of Thembela Sikhakhane, Mbongeni Gumede and Mondli Mbanjwa.

HIGOR VIDAL
Transfer: Persebaya Surabaya to TS Galaxy

Higor Vidal was a free agent when he linked up with TS Galaxy after he parted ways with Indonesian outfit Persebaya Surabaya.

The Brazilian settled in quickly at the club and announced himself as the playmaker and main assist provider for the Rockets this campaign.

If Vidal can produce some magic moments for Galaxy in midfield, he will play a vital role in helping the Rockets secure a top-eight spot in the top flight this season.

He has vision, skill and an eye for goal, bringing creativity to what is a sometimes limited Galaxy team.

The post Best buys in DStv Prem for 2023–24 season appeared first on SportsClub.

The 32-year-old joined the club from Mamelodi Sundowns after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option to extend.

Lakay returns to the club where he started his career in their youth academy.

He was promoted to their senior team in 2009 by coach Gavin Hunt and went on to make 15 appearances in all competitions before spending time on loan at FC Cape Town before signing a permanent deal with Bloemfontein Celtic.

After a successful spell at Celtic, Lakay spent most of his career at Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns where he made 340 appearances in all competitions and won 10 trophies which include, four league titles, three Nedbank Cups, two Telkom Knockout Cups and one MTN 8 trophy.

“I’m very happy to be back where it all started with the same coach that gave me my professional debut,” Lakay told his club’s official website.

“I know the coach’s mentality and what the team has achieved before with winning trophies, finishing third last season and winning the league when the coach was here.

“By saying that, I think we have a good mix of experience and youngsters to try and compete for silverware and I will do my best to try and help the team, but also to help and guide the youngsters.”

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagesPix

The post Lakay happy to be back at SuperSport appeared first on SportsClub.

The post Watch: Why Sundowns picked Mashego over Lakay appeared first on SportsClub.

Watch some of the left back’s best strikes from a dead ball here:

The post Watch: Will Sundowns miss Lakay’s free-kick prowess? appeared first on SportsClub.

The left back made a shock loan move to Cape Town City in the closing days of the transfer window, forced into motion by the arrival of Terrance Mashego from the Citizens.

Many have questioned why the Brazilians needed to sign Mashego with the club already blessed with a lot of quality in that area in the field.

At the end of the day, Downs saw an opportunity in the market but it came at Lakay’s cost.

In an interview Thabiso Mosia on SAFM, Lakay opened up on his departure.

“It’s very good to be back home in Cape Town, it’s a good feeling. I’m not a stranger to the team, I know the culture of this team, they’re ambitious and are in the Champions League and I want to help them with my experience,” said the defender.

“Everybody says this move came as a suprise. It was a shock to me, too. One minute I was in Joburg and then I was told the next day I must get ready to go to Cape Town. It wasn’t my decision at all and City was the club I was told I’m going to.

“There were no other options offered. I would have liked to stay and fight for my place. I did so when Aubrey came, Ngobeni and others, but like I said it wasn’t my decision. Maybe things were made easier by the fact that I’m returning to a former club and I’ve made peace with it.

“I also want to be clear that this move wasn’t part of the deal with Mashego. If it was the case, it would have been announced at the same time. But this move came days after that announcement of Mashego. So, the moves are not linked.”

Lakay also admitted that he didn’t speak to all the coaches at the club before a decision was made.

“To be honest, I didn’t really speak to the coaches. Coach Rulani was the only one I spoke to but there was no real reason. He just said the club is moving in another direction and that was it. So, like I said, it wasn’t my decision.

“Obviously, I didn’t play as much was I would have liked this season but lets also give credit to Aubrey. First game I played was MTN8 against SSU, then the league game, and that’s where I made a mistake. I gave the ball away for the first goal and then I wasn’t in the team.”

The post Watch: Lakay opens up on shock exit from Sundowns appeared first on SportsClub.

Welcome back home, 𝗟𝗬𝗟𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗬! 💙#iamCity pic.twitter.com/sRKA9h7K97

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) September 22, 2022

The post Watch: CT City welcome Lakay back home appeared first on SportsClub.

The post Lyle Lakay: The free-kick specialist appeared first on SportsClub.

𝕁𝕠𝕚𝕟 𝕦𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 #𝕎𝕠𝕫𝕒𝕎𝕖𝕕𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕕𝕒𝕪!

Bafana Ba Style are back for tomorrow evening’s #DStvPrem action against Stellies! Click the link below to purchase your tickets for the game and we’ll see you in the Capital! 👆

🎟️ https://t.co/jFPCgEwXhV#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/ZBAys9ufpu

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 23, 2022

The post Watch: Lakay urges Yellow Nation to come out in numbers appeared first on SportsClub.

Lakay played a crucial role helping Mamelodi Sundowns complete the domestic treble by acquiring the DStv Premiership, MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles.

Watch: Bafana gear up for Morocco clash

The 30-year-old also contributed 13 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, with four goals and nine assists during the 2021-22 season.

However, Lakay is now fully motivated to emulate his club form for the national team as they continue their preparations for the opening game against Vahid Halilhodzic’s Morocco side.

“When you play against players you’ve been in awe of, you realise just how much more you need to plough into your work. There is so much more that needs to be done, just as I think I’ve done enough,” Lakay told Safa.

“I have not digested anything yet. It has been a whirlwind from the league, travel, awards and now in camp. I will let it all sink in after the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Morocco, I think I’ll take it all in then. For now, a lot is expected and I still need to perform and remain focused.

“The Bafana Bafana camp is buzzing with positivity. It helps that the core of team remains the same, and a happy team means good results in my opinion. We play against each other in the league, and so we are not strangers; we are friends, ready to battle for our place and our country.”

The post Lakay: We’re ready to battle for our country appeared first on SportsClub.

The 30-year-old left back has been one of Sundowns’ standout performers this campaign with his impressive contributions not only in defence but also going forward offensively.

Lakay has been labelled as the best free-kick taker in the league this season and managed to contribute to 13 goals, with four goals and nine assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

After his contributions helped the Brazilians win the domestic treble this season – the DStv Premiership, MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles – Lakay is honoured to have bagged the Defender of the Season award, which he believes wouldn’t necessarily have gone to a full back.

“You know, it’s a huge achievement for me personally. I wasn’t expecting to be nominated because of central defenders always being nominated for Defender of the Season.

“It was rare, I don’t know when last a full back was nominated for Defender of the Season. So, ja, it tops off a great season having won the award and also bettering my goal contribution for last season.

“It’s a huge achievement, I’m grateful for the award and hopefully next season I can do better than I did this season.”

The post Lakay reacts to winning Defender of the Season award appeared first on SportsClub.