Mamelodi Sundowns’ new signing Lyle Lakay says he welcomes the ‘healthy competition’ from Aubrey Ngoma and Tebogo Langerman for his position in Pitso Mosimane’s squad, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The 26-year-old joined Masandawana from Cape Town City after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Chloorkop earlier this week.
Sundowns have recently lost two of their prized assets in Percy Tau and Khama Billiat. The 28-year-old Zimbabwean opted against renewing his contract and joined Kaizer Chiefs, while Tau made a South African record transfer to Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth around R50-million.
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When asked about the possibility of competing with Themba Zwane, Gaston Sirino, Aubrey Ngoma and George Lebese at left wing, and Tebogo Langerman and Siyabonga Zulu at left back for a place in the Sundowns team, he said: ‘It’s no different to competing at any other team,’ Lakay told FourFourTwoSA.
‘Yes, there pressure because it’s Sundowns, but i’ve played with [Tebogo] Langerman and Aubrey [Ngoma] before, and I believe competition is healthy and will bring out the best in you.
‘I just have to work hard as always.’
Lakay added that he is relishing the chance to play alongside Thapelo Morena and Aubrey Ngoma, who he played with at Bloemfontein Celtic and Cape Town City respectively.
‘I’m excited and happy, I was close with Thapelo at Celtic and we still spoke when he left,’ he added.
‘Thapelo was one of the full backs that made me run a lot as a winger when playing against him because if a full back goes forward, you as a winger have to track back with him and not leave your full back 2 vs 1.
‘With regards to Aubrey, I’ve learnt a bit from him at [Cape Town] City. I’m excited to link up with him again.’
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The former Hellenic wing becomes the Brazilians’ fifth signing after they already secured the services of Andile Jali, Toni Silva, Jose Ali Meza and Tristan Moses during the current transfer window.
Mamelodi Sundowns will next face AS Togo-Port in the Caf Champions League Group C encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix