Lyle Lakay revealed that he was poised for a move to Absa Premiership champions Bidvest Wits, but an intervention from Cape Town City ensured that he returned home.
Bloemfontein Celtic was embroiled in a contractual saga with Lakay after the winger parted ways with the club following a six-year stint, however Celtic and City agreed to terms regarding Lakay’s services, with midfielder Given Mashikinya said to be moving in the opposite direction as compensation.
With star performer Aubrey Ngoma set to be sidelined for a few months after a knee injury, Lakay’s addition to Benni McCarthy’s side is seen as a welcome addition, but the 25-year-old revealed that he almost ended up with Gavin Hunt’s side.
‘I’m looking forward to the new challenge and am also happy to be at an ambitious club,’ he told KickOff.
‘I was supposed to go to [Bidvest] Wits, but when City approached me I thought, ”why not?”.
‘I’m from Cape Town, my family is this side and the main reason was to be closer to my son,’ he added.
Lakay thanked the Phunya Sele Sele faithful for their support during his time at Celtic.
‘I’m grateful and want to thank everyone at Celtic for the six years that I enjoyed at the club.
‘Through the ups and downs, I still had my best memories playing at Celtic,’ he said.
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