Manqoba Mngqithi responds to Lyle Lakay’s claims

Manqoba Mngqithi has clarified Mamelodi Sundowns’ position on Lyle Lakay following the fullback’s remarks that he would have loved to stay and fight for his position.

Lakay went opposite as Terrence Mashego joined Sundowns from DStv Premiership side Cape Town City.

Earlier this week, Lakay told SAFM Sport that his loan move to his hometown – Cape Town – came as a shock. 

“Everybody says this move came as a surprise. It was a shock for me too. One minute, I was in JHB, and then I was told the next day that 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 was going to. 

“There were no other options offered. I would have liked to stay and fight for my place. “I did so when Aubrey [Modiba] came, [Sifiso] Ngobeni and others.

“But as I said, it wasn’t my decision. Maybe things were made easier because I’m returning to a former club, and I’ve made peace with it,” he said. 

Mngqithi has responded to the remarks, saying they had “a nice relationship” with the player.

STILL OUR PLAYER

“He’s still our player, by the way. We released him because we wanted him to get more game time. After all, it’s good for him to get game time.

We’re looking at our squad, and we are saying if you’ve got a player of Lyle’s age, his game time is already affected if you look at how we’ve started the season.

“But he has served the club very well. We are very proud of what he has done for us; we fully support him in pursuing his endeavours to go to Cape Town City.

“It’s good for him to get game time; Cape Town City will compete in the Champions League.

“We have a very amicable and a very nice relationship with the boy. I would not want to say things that will spoil that by talking about things that I know for a fact are not true.

“I know the calibre of player and person he is. I’ve worked with him for many years. I wish him all the best in his new environment,” Mngqithi said. 

He refused to comment if he thought Lakay would get the much-needed game time at the Citizens.

“That’s for Cape Town City to comment on. I can’t talk about another team’s player,” he said.

Despite being named Defender of the Season in the PSL last season, the 31-year-old wing-back was considered surplus to requirements at Masandawana.