psl golden boot

The PSL golden boot is named after late Orlando Pirates striker, Lesley Manyathela. ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Pictures | Lesley Manyathela Foundation remembers the late Orlando Pirates striker

The Lesley Manyathela Foundation was pictured at the late Orlando Pirates’ strikers gravesite, remembering him on what would’ve been his 40th birthday on Sunday fourth September.

psl golden boot

The PSL golden boot is named after late Orlando Pirates striker, Lesley Manyathela. ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

The Lesley Manyathela Foundation was pictured at the late Orlando Pirates’ strikers gravesite, remembering him on what would’ve been his 40th birthday on Saturday fourth September.

Pictures have since emerged of the Lesley Manyathela Foundation, led by the late Pirates striker’s mother, going to his gravesite to remember the marksman on what would’ve been his big 40th Birthday. 

It was the 18th anniversary of his passing last month

Just last month, it was the 18th year anniversary of Manyathela’s death. The striker unfortunately passed away in a fatal car accident on the 9th of August 2003. The former Bafana Bafana international was on his way home to Musina, in Limpopo with the popular belief that, he was en-route to telling his mother the good news of him clinching an overseas deal from Pirates. 

Another story also emerged that, he was in fact going to visit his mother with the plan of spending Mother’s Day with Unfortunately for Manyathela he would not reach his final destination as his Volkswagen Golf MK4 overturned on the N1. It was reported that the airbags in his vehicle failed to operate as he did not have his seatbelt on at the time of impact. 

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Manyathela was driving with a friend, but it was unfortunately on the Pirates star who would pass away, as his friend walked away with only minor injuries from the accident. He would eventually be laid to rest on the 13th of August. 

Manyathela was a prolific striker for Pirates and Bafana

“Slow poison” as he was affectionally known, was a prolific striker in the Pirates jersey. Manyathela amassed 48 goals in 73 appearances for the Buccaneers, having arrived at the club as part of a rare swap deal between Kaizer Chiefs and their arch rivals. He also showed immense promise during his brief spell as a Bafana Bafana international, scoring three goals in his nine appearances for the national team. 

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Even in his death Manyathela has left a legacy on the South African football scene. The PSL’s top goal scorer award was renamed the Lesley Manyathela Award to honour his exploits for Pirates. On behalf of The South African.com may his soul continue to rest in peace. 

Pictures courtesy of FarPost: