Mayathela’s goal scoring proficiency missed

South Africa has over the years struggled to produce top strikers with a goal scoring efficiency similiar to that of former Orlando Pirates striker Lesley Manyathela.

When Manyathela passed away in a car accident, little did South Africa’s football fraternity think the country would struggle to produce forwards of Manyathela’s calibre.

Some have pointed to the absence of a ruthless number 9 as the main reason behind South Africa’s struggles in the ongoing Afcon campaign.

At club level strikers of today appear to be struggling to reach the 20 goal mark in a season, an achievement Manyathela attained with his ease before his sudden passing away.

Scoring 48 times in 73 appearances for Orlando Pirates Lesley was a hit and at a the time of his death was on the rise as he had attracted the attention of French Ligue 1 side Lyon.