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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques has paid tribute to his captain Lefa Tsutsulupa on reaching 300 games in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Tsutsulupa led the Birds to a 2-1 league victory over SuperSport United on Wednesday, and joined the likes of Andre Arendse, Lucky Lekgwathi, and Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo in reaching 300 games.
"Players like Lefa, who has set a great milestone, can only happen because of his character, because of his attitude, because of his leadership qualities and because he takes football seriously," Marques said.
"There's no short-cuts in this game. Lefa is living proof that you can stay in the game for a long time because he doesn't take short-cuts.
"Lefa leads from the front, his leadership qualities are exceptional.
In a career spanning 14 years, the 33-year-old playmaker first made his mark at Bloemfontein Celtic, before moving on to Jomo Cosmos in 2003.
Tsutsulupa first donned the maroon-and-white of Moroka Swallows in 2005, lifting the Nedbank Cup in 2009 and the MTN8 trophy in 2012.
"He's a family man, he's a responsible guy, he's matured over the years and when you talk about guys like Lefa, he sets the standard as far as captains are concerned," Marques said.
"I always praise Lefa because I know he's a good captain. I know that he'll always stand up for the team."
Tsutsulupa said he was grateful for the opportunities afforded him as a youngster.
"I don’t want to single out anyone by name because too many people have been good to me throughout the years," the player said.
"Coaches, team-mates, family, friends and supporters of the teams that I played for touched my life in different ways, and I will forever be grateful for that."
