Bafana Bafana defender Lyle Lakay has opened up on being forced out of Mamelodi Sundowns despite wanting to stay and fight for his place.

The left back made a shock loan move to Cape Town City in the closing days of the transfer window, forced into motion by the arrival of Terrance Mashego from the Citizens.

Many have questioned why the Brazilians needed to sign Mashego with the club already blessed with a lot of quality in that area in the field.

At the end of the day, Downs saw an opportunity in the market but it came at Lakay’s cost.

In an interview Thabiso Mosia on SAFM, Lakay opened up on his departure.

“It’s very good to be back home in Cape Town, it’s a good feeling. I’m not a stranger to the team, I know the culture of this team, they’re ambitious and are in the Champions League and I want to help them with my experience,” said the defender.

“Everybody says this move came as a suprise. It was a shock to me, too. One minute I was in Joburg and then I was told the next day I must get ready to go to Cape Town. It wasn’t my decision at all and City was the club I was told I’m going to.

“There were no other options offered. I would have liked to stay and fight for my place. I did so when Aubrey came, Ngobeni and others, but like I said it wasn’t my decision. Maybe things were made easier by the fact that I’m returning to a former club and I’ve made peace with it.

“I also want to be clear that this move wasn’t part of the deal with Mashego. If it was the case, it would have been announced at the same time. But this move came days after that announcement of Mashego. So, the moves are not linked.”

Lakay also admitted that he didn’t speak to all the coaches at the club before a decision was made.

“To be honest, I didn’t really speak to the coaches. Coach Rulani was the only one I spoke to but there was no real reason. He just said the club is moving in another direction and that was it. So, like I said, it wasn’t my decision.

“Obviously, I didn’t play as much was I would have liked this season but lets also give credit to Aubrey. First game I played was MTN8 against SSU, then the league game, and that’s where I made a mistake. I gave the ball away for the first goal and then I wasn’t in the team.”