 Manyathela was a shining talent |
Former South African president Nelson Mandela has paid tribute to Lesley Manyathela, the Orlando Pirates striker who died in a car crash on Saturday. Manyathela was travelling to his home town of Musina after playing for Pirates in a cup tie against Jomo Cosmos in Johannesburg.
"It's tragic that a young life with so much expectation had to end this way," Mandela said in a statement.
"This youngster could have excelled in South African football but he has done his duty to his country and he served the sport with dignity."
The 21-year-old Manyathela, nicknamed "Slow Poison" by Pirates fans, was the leading scorer in the South African Premier League last season.
He had unsuccessful trials at French champions Lyon and was due to travel to Ukrainian side Dinamo Kyiv before tragedy struck.
Memorial services for Manyathela are scheduled for Johannesburg, Polokwane, Durban and Musina on Thursday.
MMIX
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