Lakay excited to swim among big fish with City
CAPE Town City welcomed the return of Bafana Bafana defender Lyle Lakay to the club on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday evening, a move that surprised many but excited coach Eric Tinkler.
The 31-year-old turned out for the Citizens in the 2017/2018 campaign before his move to Pretoria in the colours of Sundowns. Tinkler feels that Lakay’s recent history makes him the perfect signing for City.
“We’re very excited to have signed Lyle Lakay, he’s a player with a lot of experience and a player that’s been at the club before,” said Tinkler.
Lakay, the 2021/2022 Defender of the Season, had four successful years at the Brazilians, winning four league titles, and Nedbank, Telkom Knockout and MTN8 cups and re-established himself in the Bafana scene.
The arrival of Terrence Mashego at Chloorkop saw Lakay fall down the pecking order, with Aubrey Modiba already occupying the first choice left back slot.
Mashego has been one of City’s best players for the past two seasons but Tinkler feels Lakay’s understanding of their style and culture maks him more than capable of filling the left back void.
“He suits us in terms of how we play and is a fantastic replacement for Terrence Mashego, who’s recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns,” Tinkler explained.
City finished runners-up to Sundowns last season, qualifying for their first ever CAF champions league participation. Lakay has been involved in the continental showpiece in the past four years and admits City’s involvement this season is an added incentive in his return.
“Cape Town City is an ambitious club and that’s one of the reasons I was interested in coming here.
“They’re in the Champions League and that’s where the big fish play so I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of the club. It’s a great feeling to be back, I’m excited for the rest of the season,” he expressed.