The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African

Orlando Pirates hero of the day: 19 January 2023

Orlando Pirates fans have been treated to some special talents down the years. Who is today’s featured ex-Buccaneers star?

by James Freemantle

19-01-2023 10:23

in Premier Soccer League

The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African

Cult heroes are in important ingredient in any football season and for all football clubs. Orlando Pirates are no exception, and Lesley Manyathela is a man who deserves the title.

Whether it’s through touches of flair or match-defining moments of magic, footballers have many of ways of endearing themselves to their adoring fans.

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Orlando Pirates cult hero of the day: Lesley Manyathela

Gone too soon, the late, great Lesley Manyathela was a prolific, natural-born goal-scorer. He scooped the PSL Golden Boot in 2003 and steered the Buccaneers to league glory that year.

“Slow Poison”, as he was affectionately known by his adoring supporters, represented Bafana Bafana on five occasions after making his debut on March 20, 2002 in an international friendly against Saudi Arabia. Manyathela also excelled at national U23 level with Amaglug-glug where he appeared in 13 matches, scoring six goals. He also made five appearances in the national under-20 in the Cosafa Castle Cup and scored once for Amajita.

Lesley Manyathela, a club icon and a cult hero of note. Gone but never forgotten.