Steve Lekolea on Orlando Pirates Star Saleng | Edwin Gymah Plea from Ex-Agent

In a recent interview, former football agent Steve Lekolea made headlines as he shared his thoughts on the career trajectory of Orlando Pirates’ rising star, Monnapule Saleng, and made a passionate plea on behalf of his former client, Edwin Gymah.

Lekolea, known for his keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the South African football scene, offered rare insights into the world of South African football and the challenges players face both on and off the pitch.

One of the most captivating aspects of Lekolea’s interview was his discussion on Monnapule Saleng, a player who has been making waves at Orlando Pirates.

Saleng, who has been a standout performer for the Buccaneers, has shown remarkable growth since joining the club.

The young winger has become a key figure in the Pirates’ lineup, with his skill set and tactical awareness making him a favorite among the fans.

Lekolea, who has been closely following Saleng’s rise, was full of praise for the player. “Monnapule is a player with incredible potential,” he said.

“He’s the kind of player who can change a game with a single moment of brilliance. His speed, creativity, and ability to score goals have set him apart from others.”

According to Lekolea, Saleng’s natural talent has always been evident, but it is his work ethic and commitment to improving that have allowed him to reach the heights he has today.

Lekolea emphasized that Saleng’s ability to adapt to the high demands of a club like Orlando Pirates speaks to his maturity as a player.

“It’s not easy to break into a team like Pirates,” Lekolea continued. “There’s a lot of competition, and the pressure is immense. But Monnapule has handled it with great poise.”

He further highlighted that while Saleng is still young, his performances suggest he could be on the verge of becoming one of the standout players in the South African Premier Division.

If he continues to develop at this pace, Lekolea believes Saleng could eventually make a move to one of Europe’s top leagues, where he would undoubtedly thrive.

While the conversation shifted to Saleng, Lekolea also took the opportunity to make a heartfelt plea on behalf of his former client, Edwin Gymah.

Gymah, a talented Ghanaian defender, has struggled to find consistent playing time in recent seasons, despite his impressive abilities on the field.

Lekolea, who previously represented Gymah, expressed his concern over the defender’s career stagnation and urged clubs to recognize his potential.

“Edwin is a player who has been overlooked by many,” Lekolea said. “He’s got all the qualities needed to succeed at the highest level. He’s strong, disciplined, and has an excellent footballing IQ. I believe if he gets the right opportunities, he could really shine.”

Gymah, who made a name for himself in the Ghanaian league before moving to South Africa, has had a somewhat difficult journey since arriving in the PSL.

Despite his obvious talent, he has often found himself in and out of the starting lineup, which has impacted his overall form.

Lekolea, who has always been a vocal advocate for his clients, made a strong case for Gymah to receive more recognition. “Edwin has been through a lot in his career,” Lekolea noted. ”

He’s had to fight for every opportunity, but I believe the right club and the right coach can bring out the best in him. I’m calling on South African clubs and coaches to give him the chance he deserves.”

Lekolea’s plea is not just about giving Gymah another shot—it’s about ensuring that talented African players aren’t overlooked in the competitive world of football.

He pointed out that many players from across the African continent face an uphill battle when it comes to breaking into top teams, despite their undeniable skills.

For Gymah, who has shown his worth both in training and in games when given the opportunity, Lekolea hopes that clubs will start to take a more calculated approach in recognizing talent that may not always fit the typical mold but has the ability to perform at the highest level.

Throughout the interview, Lekolea touched on the broader issues of player development in South African football.

He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent like Saleng, but also highlighted the need to create better pathways for players who are perhaps less flashy but just as skilled.

“We have a lot of raw talent in South Africa,” Lekolea explained.

“But sometimes, it’s about finding the right environment where players can flourish. The clubs, coaches, and even the fans need to understand that development takes time, and it’s not always about instant results.”

He also spoke about the role of agents in helping players manage their careers and avoid burnout.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of football,” Lekolea said, “but players need to have a long-term vision for their careers.

It’s about finding the right balance between personal development, playing time, and off-field support.”

Despite the challenges, Lekolea remains optimistic about the future of South African football.

He believes that with the right investment in both player development and infrastructure, the country can produce even more world-class talents.

Players like Saleng are leading the charge, but it’s crucial that emerging stars are given the right opportunities and support to reach their full potential.

As for Gymah, Lekolea’s plea is a reminder of the sometimes-overlooked players who have the talent to make a difference but need the right platform to showcase it.

In a league like the PSL, where competition is fierce and the spotlight is often focused on a few high-profile stars, it’s important not to overlook the hardworking, determined players who can add value to any team.

In the end, Lekolea’s thoughts on Saleng and Gymah provide valuable insights into the state of South African football and the challenges faced by players in an increasingly competitive environment.

With the right guidance and support, both players have the potential to achieve great things, and it is up to the clubs, coaches, and fans to ensure they are given the chance to succeed.

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