Lakay Hails Gavin Hunt’s 1000th Match Milestone
Lyle Lakay expressed his admiration for coach Gavin Hunt, acknowledging that reaching 1,000 matches when SuperSport United host Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday (15:30) is a remarkable achievement.
Hunt, in his second stint with the club, will achieve this milestone against an Arrows side with whom they are tied on 20 league points. However, Arrows have played three fewer games, as their midweek match against Orlando Pirates at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
“Wow, 1,000 games,” Lakay reacted. “It is a remarkable achievement and a significant milestone.”
The 33-year-old, who rejoined SuperSport at the start of last season, has played under Hunt twice at the club, featuring in 60 matches, scoring four goals and providing seven assists.
It was also Hunt who gave Lakay his PSL debut at the age of 19 years and 22 days on 8 September 2010, in SuperSport’s 2-1 victory against Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Lakay emphasized the importance of winning the game to celebrate Hunt’s big day, similar to their 4-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
“As I mentioned, we obviously want to win the game to move up the table,” said Lakay. “We also have to win for the coach; as I’ve said, 1,000 games is a big achievement. It shows how long he has been in the game.”
Lakay, who won four league titles with SuperSport’s city rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, reiterated his gratitude to Hunt for giving him his PSL debut.
“My journey started in 2007 and 2008 with the coach when I joined the SuperSport United academy, playing in the reserve team. We played against the first team, which I still remember. I recall Hlompho Kekana playing as a right-back, and I was playing left-wing at the time. Those who knew Hlompho back then know he was a hard-tackler. After the game, I was called up to play a friendly with the first team. Back then, they had the Monday Night League, which was primarily for players who didn’t get game time over the weekend.
“I was called up to the first team for a couple of friendlies, and then the coach called me up permanently. I think it took me three months in the academy to get into the first team. He gave me my debut, and more than a decade later, I’m back with him. I will always be grateful because he gave me my debut back then, and coming back, he’s given me another opportunity to play for the club. As I said, I will always be grateful.
“He has helped me a lot – emotionally and mentally. We all know what type of coach he is and what he has achieved. To be in charge of 1,000 games shows his longevity and achievements, not to forget the three consecutive league titles with the club (in his first stint). He played a big part in my career, and I’m grateful for that.”
