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Lekgwathi clears the air and reinforces his allegiance with the mighty Sea Robbers

Sipho Mthembu

Enigmatic former Bafana Bafana defender Lucky Lekgwathi wants to end his career at Orlando Pirates.

The 31-year-old defender was clearing the air after his future became subject of speculation when his contract with the Buccaneers expired at the weekend.

"Orlando Pirates is my home. I know I have a great future at Pirates and that is where I want to end my career," said the tough defender.

"Several clubs have, on learning of the expiry of my contract, phoned to enquire if I am available and I have made it clear that I am going nowhere," he insisted.

Lekgwathi is also not worried that the club waited until after his contract had expired before starting talks.

"I know how busy the chairman (Irvin Khoza) is, and as I have already said, Pirates is like home to me. I am aware of all the speculation but it is all not true," said Lekgwathi, who was scheduled to meet Khoza before his arrest for alleged robbery last Friday.

The charges against him have since been withdrawn.

Among the teams that have been linked with Lekgwathi is Mamelodi Sundowns.

Lekgwathi's manager Josiah Mphono had told Sowetan earlier yesterday that Sundowns had made a mouth-watering offer.

"I must confess it is a very good offer for someone of Lucky's age, but Lucky has made it clear he wants to stay at Pirates," Mphono said.

Sundowns, however, vehemently deny making an offer to Lekgwathi yesterday.

"Josiah is the one who phoned me up and offered Lucky. He came with a huge proposal," said Sundowns' coach Gordon Igesund.

"Look, Lucky is a very good player, but there is an unwritten rule between Pirates, Sundowns and Chiefs. We do not poach each other's players.

"This guy said to me Lucky was available but as soon as I heard he was still scheduled to meet Mr Khoza, I told him I was not interested."

Meanwhile, Igesund and his star-studded squad landed in Cape Town yesterday where they will remain for a week in pre-season camp.

Igesund said there were no new faces in his squad and that he only expected two trialists, a Nigerian and a Chilean to join them sometime today.

"We want to see if they fit into our style of play."

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