Lyle Lakay is a talent, but the Mamelodi Sundowns is not in the Bafana Bafana. The absence of the full-back is something that Mokwena does not understand.
In the last few seasons, the left-back has remained consistent in his performances, with very few PSL players matching his level of consistency.
Rhulani Mokwena has aimed a shot at Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana gaffer. He wonders why he has constantly overlooked the Cape Town-born full-back. The co-head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns described the 30-year-old full-back as one of the country’s top players in that position. He also said Lyle has positioned himself as a dead ball specialist.
Last season, Lyle amassed 35 matches in all competitions and scored five goals while helping his team with seven assists. It happened to be one of his best seasons since he turned pro.
Lyle has continued from where he finished last season as his fine form continued this season. It’s early days yet, and the full-back has already supplied two assists in three games.
According to Mokwena, the former Bloemfontein Celtic player ought to be in the national team set-up. His Downs teammate Rushine De Reuck was in the starting line-up when Bafana Bafana took on Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier this month.
Mokwena is bemused why Lyle is still overlooked by the national team handlers, despite his performances.
“But it is what it is. We try to focus on what we have to focus on, and we try to improve our performances because those are the things we can control.
“What we can’t control and improve, we leave it over to the almighty, and we ask God for his contribution because that is what life is about.”
Bafana took on Zimbabwe and Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers, with Sibusiso Mabiliso, the only natural left-back in the team. South Africa take on Ethiopia in next month’s two-legged World Cup qualifiers and Lyle will hope he makes the team.