Lyle Lakay joins Hope FC after leaving Siwelele FC

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Lyle Lakay has completed a move to Hope FC, ending weeks of speculation over his next club after leaving Siwelele FC.

The experienced left-back has joined the Cape Town-based side ahead of their first season in professional football. Hope FC recently secured promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and are continuing to strengthen their squad before the new campaign begins.

Lakay spent only one season with Siwelele FC after moving to the Free State-based club from SuperSport United. He departed at the end of last season and had subsequently been training with Hope FC for several weeks.

The club confirmed his arrival with a message welcoming the Cape Town-born player back to the Mother City.

“Welcome home, Lyle. Cape Town boy back in the Mother City,” Hope FC stated.

“We’re excited to welcome the highly experienced Lyle Lakay to Hope FC.

“A decorated player in South African football and a former PSL Defender of the Season, Lyle brings invaluable experience, leadership and quality to The Immortals.

“We can’t wait to see him in the black and red. Welcome to Hope FC, Lyle.”

Lakay brings considerable experience to a Hope FC squad preparing for its first campaign in the professional ranks. His arrival is one of several moves made by the newly promoted club as it seeks to assemble a competitive team for the season ahead.

The defender previously established himself as a prominent figure in South African football during his time with Mamelodi Sundowns. He also played for SuperSport United before joining Siwelele FC for the previous campaign.

Hope FC have added further names to their squad, with Kaizer Chiefs players Samkelo Zwane and Bontle Molefe arriving on loan.

Zwane spent last season with Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership and will now join Lakay at Hope FC as the club prepares for its historic entry into professional football.

The Cape Town side have also recruited former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm, who played for Cape Town City last season. Brandon Theron and Tauric Gamildien are among the other players to have joined ahead of the new campaign.

The signings underline Hope FC’s intention to reinforce their squad following promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Lakay’s experience, including his recognition as a former PSL Defender of the Season, adds further leadership to a group making the step up to the professional game.

His move also represents a return to Cape Town, where Hope FC will begin preparations for their first-ever professional season with the former Mamelodi Sundowns star among their latest additions.