Lekoelea explains motive behind his shock exit from Pirates

Legendary former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea has unraveled the truth behind what led to him rejecting Dr Irvin Khoza’s new contract offer to join Maritzburg United more than 10 years ago.

Read: Chiefs issues warning to the public and club supporters

“Chippa” pulled off a major surprise when he left the Buccaneers ship in 2005 to head to KwaZulu-Natal and join the Team of Choice.

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Steve Lekoelea in action in the Soweto Derby against Marco Mthembu.
(Image: Goal.com)

The former Bafana Bafana winger was frank about his move, disclosing that the amount of money that was placed in front of him was too much to refuse.

“I left Pirates to join Maritzburg United because of money. It was nothing except money. Those people gave me money before I could even sign,” Chippa was quoted as saying by KickOff.com.

“I drove down to Durban in the morning and before I could even sign they gave me money. I drove back to Johannesburg the same day carrying the money.

“That was even before I could do some other stuff like medicals. Before I could sign I was already having the money. I can’t tell you the amount but it was a lot of money.

“I enjoyed my stay there even though the club didn’t have many good players that time.”

Lekoelea, who had the absolute pleasure, and was the last player to don the famous number 10 jersey after the legendary great Jomo Sono, spoke fondly of the memories of wearing the jersey at Pirates.

“I don’t have any regrets about my stay at Pirates. I enjoyed myself at the club. The club still holds a special place in my heart.

“I have special memories with that number 10. Remember I also wore jersey 110 at Pirates. It was only me and Jomo to wear jersey 110.

“I saw the debate about the jersey 10 at Pirates. It’s up to Dr Irvin Khoza to decide if he wants to bring it back,” Lekoelea said.

In conclusion, “Chippa” explained that he was in the process of upskilling youngsters in his home town in the Vaal after completing his coaching course.

“I am preparing to venture into coaching. I want to focus on the youngsters.”