CAPE TOWN – It was one of the worst-kept secrets in the local transfer market, and now it has been finalised – Lyle Lakay is a Mamelodi Sundowns player.
Lakay has rejuvenated his career at Cape Town City to such an extent that Pitso Mosimane came calling to lure the left winger to Chloorkop.
It is the biggest move of the 26-year-old’s journey in the top-flight, having first emerged out of SuperSport United’s academy in 2009 to go on loan to FC Cape Town for two seasons.
The left winger’s breakthrough came in 2012 when he joined Bloemfontein Celtic, where he spent five years before moving back to his home town on Benni McCarthy’s watch.
Lakay has been a key figure for Cape Town City, and his ability to score goals and get in crosses could add a new dynamic to the Sundowns attack.
While he can’t really be considered as a replacement for Percy Tau – who is set to join Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League – Lakay will add vital depth to the Sundowns squad, who are competing for silverware on every possible front, especially in the Caf Champions League.
Aubrey Ngoma would be the favourite to start at left wing, but he hasn’t played much for the ‘Brazilians’ since joining from Cape Town City.
Lyle finally puts pen to paper! Let's welcome him home Masandawana! 👆
➖ #Sundowns #WelcomeLyle pic.twitter.com/hcfyAHAje0
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 16, 2018
And the same applies to former Kaizer Chiefs left-footer George Lebese, although another option for Lakay would be to operate as an attacking left fullback.
Lakay is Sundowns’ second signing of the day, after young Amakhosi defender Tristan Moses, and could make his debut in the Shell Ultra Helix Cup against Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
After 35 appearance and 2 goals for #CTCFC- We bid farewell to winger Lyle Lakay!
Thank you for your contribution to the club over the past 12 months. #iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/zG8GGD5mZg
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) July 16, 2018
Andile Jali, Toni Silva and Jose Ali Meza are the other newcomers in the Masandawana camp in recent weeks.
@ashfakmohamed