After watching Orlando Pirates play six graduates in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, legendary Lucky Lekgwathi has one wish for the coach who is going to take over from Jose Riveiro.
Lekgwathi was at FNB Stadium on Saturday, anxiously watching as the Buccaneers came from behind to beat Amakhosi 2-1 in a packed arena. The victory was inspired by the DStv Diski Challenge graduates who have carried the team quite a few times this season.
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Mohau Nkota set up Evidence Makgopa for the equaliser in the first half and then Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winner as the Buccaneers completed a league double over Amakhosi for the second season running. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ndlozi and Boitumelo Radiopane also featured, while 20-year-old Simphiwe Selepe made a dream professional debut with a Soweto Derby victory.
Not only does this show that Riveiro believes in the players to feature in big matches, but it displays the quality Pirates are producing.
"It's very important. It's my wish that the next coach should work closely with the DDC coach. I am happy because someone like Mandla (Ncikazi) will still be there, and the new coach can learn from people like him because the new coach cannot come in and change everything. He will change things gradually," Lekgwathi said to Soccer Laduma.
"Even during our time, we had a lot of players who were coming from the development. We had guys like Lebohang Mokoena, the late Gift Leremi, the late Senzo Meyiwa, Benedict Vilakazi and Phumudzo Manenzhe. The list is endless. Even now, we are going back to that culture. It worked for us back then and it's working now."
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"We should continue this way because it makes sure that the club does not spend too much money (on transfer fees). Players are so expensive these days. If you want a player from another club, you must spend millions. But finding a player like Rele in the DDC does not cost a cent. Then they go on to become players who can compete in the PSL. Let's hope the new coach will take this team to another level."
The youngsters will certainly have a big role to play in the Nedbank Cup final against Amakhosi at Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend.
