The Siya crew reported yesterday that Orlando Pirates captain, Lucky Lekgwathi, would remain in South Africa while the rest of the Bucs squad travel to Tunis to handle a little matter called the second leg semi-final of the CAF Champions League.
Earlier in the week it was revealed to all of Mzansi that the relationship between Bucs' management and their captain had been mended, following prior reports of a strained relationship. But, just how mended is the relationship?
Considering the injury to fellow central defender Siyabonga Sangweni and the fact that the relationship between Lekgwathi and Bucs' management was said to be restored, how is it that Lekgwathi still didn't manage to make it into the squad to face Esperance, where every bit of experience is needed to 'pull a rabbit out of the hat' for Bucs.
According to Bucs' management, Lekgwathi's fitness was a concern, as the 37-year-old hadn't played any matches since the team's quarterfinal clash with Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.
However, in my opinion, Phinda Mzala is the type of player who wears his heart on his sleeve and leaves absolutely everything out on the pitch. Never has he had to look back at a match thinking, 'I could've done more', or 'I should've tried harder'.
Perhaps those sinister forces Lekgwathi spoke of at Bucs really are at work to keep him out of the team. The rock solid defender was left out of Bucs' MTN8 semi-final win over Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, as well as the team's MTN8 final defeat to Platinum Stars.
Would it not have been wise for Roger de Sa and the rest of his technical team to have their captain out there, leading the team and continuing to be the driving force we've so often seen? Even if on the side-line, surely a presence like that of Lucky Lekgwathi would be a major boost to every single member of the Bucs side!
As the saying goes, 'It's no use crying over spilled milk' – Lucky Lekgwathi will no doubt be glued to his television, along with the rest of Mzansi cheering at every Bucs touch, hoping they can make the nation proud!
Will Lekgwathi's exclusion come back to bite Bucs' behind?
By: Julian Bailey
Follow Julian on Twitter: @kwetsa_89
