Orlando Pirates great Lucky Lekgwathi has predicted a bright future for Bucs youngster Thabiso Sesane, and he believes the defender reminds him of former club captain Mbulelo Mabizela. 

Sesane has been impressive for the Buccaneers in defense, forming a solid partnership at center-back with Olisa Ndah, which saw them help the team reach the MTN8 Cup final having conceded only two goals in three matches in the tournament.

The 24-year-old’s display for the Sea Robbers has given Lekgwathi confidence that Sesane will make a huge impact at the club and praised Pirates coach Jose Riveiro for trusting the young player.

“Sometimes when a ball comes to you as a defender you think about losing it. But he (Sesane), he shows maturity. And that’s all thanks to his coach. I think he understands him and he also motivates him. He reminds me of Old John Mabizela, the last defender I remember making a 180-degree turn with a ball like that with an opponent nearby at the back,” Lekgwathi told Sportswire, referring to the MTN8 first leg semi-final in Cape Town.  

“But it goes with confidence. Hence I say I think the role that coach Jose is playing in him is big. The good thing is that he is still young. For him to be playing ahead of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki also gives him confidence.”

Lekgwathi, who spent 14 years at Pirates, won 14 trophies, and wore jersey number 14 at the club, adds that he first saw Sesane’s abilities when Riveiro started him for the Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns last season.  And he wishes to see the young defender have a long and successful career.  

“I was surprised when the coach put him in the starting line-up against Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final last year in front of a packed stadium. But he did really well and now he is just improving with every game that he plays,” Lekgwathi continued.

“He must just remain humble, continue working hard, and respect his seniors. Football is a short career for other people, but it can be a long career for other people. Because you still find former players in football coaching and doing other things related to the game. But so far I’m happy with his attitude. He must keep on making Pirates’ fans happy and we will see him in Bafana Bafana soon.”

Sesane graduated to the Bucs senior team in 2020. But he was loaned out to Jomo Cosmos the following year, before being sent on another loan spell at Cape Town All Stars in 2022. He returned to the Soweto-based outfit last year. 

With a solid start to the season for Sesane, the defender is expected to continue featuring more for the Buccaneers this season with the club set to get back to competitive matches when they take on Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League in Botswana on Saturday. 

Article by Tshepo Ntsoelengoe