Unfulfilled potential. These are probably the two words that first come to mind when a lot of South African football supporters think of Lehlogonolo Masalesa. If indeed the description fits the former Orlando Pirates lad, then he is certainly not alone, for there were many such players who possessed the talent but for this reason or the other just never hit their straps. He had everything – the height of a Yaya Toure, the tactical nous of a Michael Essien, the passing ability of a Cesc Fabregas… and much more.
Such was his potential that when Orlando Pirates came so close to conquering the continent in 2013, he was in the thick of things, bossing the midfield against established names from the likes of Al Ahly and Zamalek. Sadly, having last been in action in the pro ranks three years ago, the man nicknamed “Vieira”, whose football intelligence far outweighed his lack of pace on the pitch, remains but a distant memory. Soccer Laduma’s Tshepang Mailwane went searching for the 32-year-old, and when he found him, sat him down as he lets the cat out of the bag about what is exactly currently happening with him. And Masalesa, like a kid in a candy store, says a mouthful in this frank interview!
Tshepang Mailwane: Hola ‘Vieira’, it’s been such a long time. You haven’t played professional football in three years now. Have you retired from the game?
