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De Sa exit surprised Lekgwathi

Cape Town - Veteran Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi says he was shocked to hear about former coach Roger de Sa’s departure from the Soweto giants last week.

The 49-year-old tactician handed in his resignation to club officials on Friday and it has been rumoured that Ajax Cape Town could be his next destination following Muhsin Ertugral’s departure two weeks ago.

Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Wednesday, Pirates' longest serving player said although his team-mates had a close relationship with “RDS”, they had to accept the fact that in football great coaches and players will always come and go as he had witnessed that since he joined the Buccaneers back in July 2002.

“It was a surprise to me and I was not expecting it at all,” said Lekgwathi.

“After we played the Ajax game, we were all happy to win that match and I was talking and laughing with him and he even said that what we need to improve now is our defensive play.

“It is part of football, we need to accept it. I have worked with different coaches in the past here at Pirates but what we can’t change is that in football great players and coaches will always come and go.

“I wish him all the best wherever he goes.”

With Eric Tinkler now at the helm on an interim basis, Lekgwathi revealed that there is no difference in the Sea Robbers’ camp and his team-mates are enjoying working with their new mentor.

“Not much difference as he (Tinkler) was working with Roger, he just added a few things with Teboho Moloi.

“He just told us that we have to be tight at the back just like what Roger wanted.

“He was cool, calm and collected at half-time last night although we were still trailing and he advised us to keep the position and composure in front of goal.

“He didn’t panic at all and he never shouted at any of the players during the game and after the game everyone could see how happy he was to win.”

With the Happy People still trying to catch-up all their remaining games in hand, Lekgwathi hinted that they are well aware of the possibility to contest for the league title, should they win all of those games, but said they aren’t feeling any added pressure.

“Our target is to overcome every point deficit we are facing but we are taking it one game at a time and it’s obvious we’ll get there.”

After defeating Bidvest Wits 2-1 on Tuesday night, Pirates’ next league game is against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night, and the former Ria Stars defender is confident his side will be ready of the Brazilians’ attacking style.

“It’s always tough playing against Sundowns.

“They are playing a good attacking football and that could be a threat if we are not cautious, so we have to make sure we don’t concede and we are up for the challenge.”

Pirates are trailing the Brazilians by two points with two games in hand.

Kick-off for this weekend’s cracker is scheduled for 20:15.
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