Vieira set for a return to his roots

BAFANA Bafana midfielder Lehlogonolo Masalesa is set for a return to the local league where he will reconnect with his first professional club, Platinum Stars.

Maselesa was clubless after leaving Greek side Athlitik Enosi Larisa.

The club announced last night that they have concluded the deal with the lanky midfield enforcer.

“I’ve worked so hard for this deal and it is going to happen,” Mazingiza said “Maselesa is a quality player and we would love to have him in our team.”

The soft spoken midfielder recently captained the senior national side in the Cosafa Cup.

He had to be withdrawn from the squad, however, for the two-legged tie against Botswana in the CHAN qualifier as CAF rules dictate that only players plying their trade in their countries of birth can participate in the competition.

A graduate of the renowned Africa Sport Youth Academy, the 25-year-old from Limpopo failed to make his mark at Stars back in the 2009/10 season and made only a single appearance as a substitute.

He later joined Bidvest Wits where his star shone bright

and he was swiftly snapped up by Orlando Pirates with whom he reached the 2013 Caf Champions League final.

The player nicknamed Vieira after the former Arsenal and France midfield workhorse left Pirates last season to pursue his career abroad.

His agent Paul Mitchell explained why they are considering bringing the player back home so quickly after his move to Europe, the fact there is ‘interest in Europe’ notwithstanding.

“Next year is World Cup year. The new Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter seems to like Maselesa. He trusted him with the armband. The player also didn’t disappoint. We want him to be at the place where Baxter will be able to monitor him easily. That’s why we are considering a local move.

“The coach has already made it clear he’d prefer that players play in competitive leagues in Europe.”