Eric Tinkler on what future holds for Lyle Lakay

With two months left on Lyle Lakay’s loan stay at Cape Town City, Eric Tinkler has discussed the future of Mamelodi Sundowns’ loanee.

The left-back rejoined the Citizens on a season-long loan deal in September last year.

After the Tshwane giants signed Terrence Mashego from City, he was deemed surplus to requirements.

The DStv Premiership champions are expected to decide whether to keep the left-footer next season.

Meanwhile, Tinkler was clear that if Masandawana were to loan the 31-year-old again, his side would consider retaining his services.

However, he said he wouldn’t blame Lakay for wanting to return to his parent club.

‘OUR DOOR WOULD BE OPEN AGAIN,’ SAYS ERIC TINKLER

“Lyle still belongs to Sundowns; he’s only on loan,” said Tinkler.

“The agreement is he has to go back. And then next season, if they decide they want to loan him out again, obviously, our door would be open again to that prospect.

“But what Lyle is earning [at Sundowns], us a club, we can never afford it.

“So, you can’t blame the player; I would also go back.”

The Cape Town-born has made 16 appearances for City in all competitions this season, providing one assist.

OTHER SUNDOWNS LEFT-BACKS ON LOAN

Bafana Ba Style will also welcome back the Zimbabwean defender Devine Lunga who is also on loan at Golden Arrows.

Lunga signed for Sundowns in 2021 but lacked game time in his maiden season in Pretoria. He seems to have regained his best form at Abafana Bes’thende, where he plays regularly.

Siyanda Msani is another Sundowns left-back who’ll learn his fate when the upcoming season begins. The Brazilians academy graduate has never worn Downs first team shirt and hopes to make his debut next season.

He spent last season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on loan at the University of Pretoria before he joined his current club Richards Bay FC at the beginning of this campaign.

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