Posted in News on Aug 09, 2003.
Manyathela had just returned from trials in Europe and scored the consolation goal for Pirates in the 2-1 defeat by Cosmos at Rand Stadium. The striker was on his way to his hometown Musina to spend some time with his mother and the accident is believed to have occurred some 30 kilometres away from Musina.
The lanky striker - the leading marksman in the domestic league last season - was on the verge of securing a lucrative deal with leading Ukranian club Dynamo Kiev.
Manyathela - who was born on September 4, 1981 - represented his country at national level on five occasions after making his debut on March 20, 2002 in an international friendly against Saudi Arabia. The star striker went on to feature in games against Georgia, Botswana, Swaziland and Senegal.
Slow Poison, as he was affectionately know among the local supporters, had a flourishing career at national under-23 Amaglug-glug where he appeared in 13 international matches with six goals to his credit. He also made five appearances in the national under-20 in the Cosafa Castle Cup and scored one goal for Amajita.
His passing away will leave a huge void not only in the Pirates team but also in South African football as a whole.
Tributes
President Thabo Mbeki (through spokesman Bheki Khumalo)
The government is distraught after hearing of the death of Lesley Manyathela. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. He was on his way to spend Women’s Day with his mother, showing his commitment to his family.
Irvin Khoza (Orlando Pirates chairman)
Lesley’s death is not only a loss to Pirates, but to South Africa as well. He has left an indelible mark on South African soccer. We need to support his family at his time and our thoughts are with his mother, who I am hoping to see some time today (Sunday).
Before yesterday’s game I spoke to him, I called the camp and did not speak to the coach or the manager, but to Lesley. We spoke a bit and he told me that after the match he would be going to Messina to spend some time with his mother on Women’s Day.
At this time it is also good to remember that we should all believe in God.
Kaizer Chiefs MD Kaizer Motaung
We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Lesley Manyathela. This is a great loss, not only to Orlando Pirates and his family but the entire soccer fraternity and the country at large.
On behalf of Kaizer Chiefs I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Manyathela family, Orlando Pirates and the entire soccer fraternity. This is a great loss indeed.
Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour
I got the shock of my life when I heard the news. On behalf of the government, the sporting fraternity our condolences go out to his family, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. I recently had a chat with him and we joked about a few things, especially the future, which I thought was very bright for him.
We have to take strength from God and his family has to remember that we are with them in their time of need.
National coach Shakes Mashaba
Lesley was a shining example to the youth of South Africa. He was the pride of his family, especially his mother who was basking in the glory that her son had brought to her. He wanted to spend time with his mother, and was on his way to see her when he died. Lesley will be missed by everybody who knew him.
National under-23 coach Conti Khubeka
We have lost a great man, a hero. Our condolences go out to his family. We know that God gives and God takes, but we never expected to lose him so early. I am really very sad about his death.
Mike Makaab (Manyathela’s manager)
Lesley was a superstar as a person, not only as a footballer. He was a gentleman of gentleman and a very humble young man. In three years of football, he achieved more than many players achieve in their entire careers.
He was a dream to be involved with and was a very honest person. I would like to express my deepest sympathies from my family to Lesley’s family.
Sundowns FC
"Yes, "It is one of nature's cruelties that a man, whether he be a bank manager, pop star or even a football player, can at the peak of his life be jolted by misfortune like it had been the case with Manyathela," read a statement from Sundowns.
"But Manyathela's death is more than a misfortune. It is tragic, a great loss. Orlando Pirates and indeed the whole country has lost a great footballer, an asset and a role model to millions of young South Africans."
"On behalf of Sundowns FC, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to Pirates and Manyathela's family. May God be with them and sustain them and give them strength during their time of grief."
