Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes that recalled defender Justice Chabalala deserves a starting berth in the side ahead of the new Absa Premiership season.

Chabalala joined Pirates in July 2016 from Chippa United, but was loaned back to the Chilli Boys after making only ten appearances for the Soweto giants.

Lekgwathi, who donned the Buccaneers jersey over 200 times, is adamant that the 25-year-old is worthy of playing for the Mayfair-based outfit.

“I was so surprised to see him go out on loan because he was coming alright,” he told KickOff.

“He will become a better player. I rate the boy highly. He is the future of Pirates and I think he can be one of the best players at the club.

“I am happy. The good thing with him is that he wants to learn. If you look at last season we were conceding soft goals and he can help the team if they give him a chance,” he added.

Lekgwathi likened Chabalala’s situation with former centre-back partner Tonic Chabalala, who was known for his duels with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma.

“When he joined Pirates, I called Justice and told him to call Tonic Chabalala to find out what he did to make it at Pirates.

“He did what I asked him to do. Some players have pride and they would not do that. It showed that he wanted to make it at Pirates,” he said.

Photo:Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

– This story originally appeared on FourFourtwo.co.za