Lehlogonolo Masalesa
Lehlogonolo Masalesa (born 21 March 1992 in Mankweng) is a South African footballer who currently plays for Black Leopards in the DStv Premiership as a midfielder.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 March 1992 | ||
| Place of birth | Mankweng, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Black Leopards | ||
| Number | 12 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2009 | ASYDA | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2009–2010 | Platinum Stars | 1 | (0) |
| 2010–2012 | Bidvest Wits | 28 | (0) |
| 2012–2017 | Orlando Pirates | 25 | (0) |
| 2017 | AEL | 14 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | Platinum Stars | 10 | (0) |
| 2018–2019 | Black Leopards | 14 | (0) |
| 2019–2020 | Chippa United | 7 | (0) |
| 2020– | Black Leopards | 4 | (0) |
| National team | |||
| South Africa U20 | |||
| 2017 | South Africa | 3 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 30 January 2021 | |||
Career
Masalesa started his top-flight career at Platinum Stars after coming through the Africa Sport Youth Development Academy. However, he only made one substitute appearance for Dikwena, prompting a move to Bidvest Wits, who he represented 28 times before signing a three-year deal with Orlando Pirates in September 2012. The ex-national Under-20 midfielder notably impressed when given game-time during Pirates' run to the CAF Champions League Final in 2013.
He was given the nickname "Vieira" by famous South African football commentator Baba Mthethwa due to the similarities he shares with the former French international footballer.
References
- "Black Leopards sign ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Masalesa and former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Ramagalela | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.