Ex-Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi stretchered off after Katsande tackle [Photos]

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi was stretchered off the field after suffering a knee injury following a tackle by former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande.

The incident occurred during an exhibition match between Kaizer Chiefs Legends and Jozi Stars in Phokeng on Sunday.

Lekgwathi, who was representing Jozi Stars, was unable to continue after the challenge and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

After the match, the Pirates legend shared a photo of his swollen knee on Facebook, suggesting he was unhappy with Katsande’s challenge.

“Thank you for the support. I’ll be okay and bounce back soon,” Lekgwathi wrote.

Katsande has not publicly responded to the incident or apologised to Lekgwathi. Instead, he shared a photo of himself from the match on Facebook with the caption: “Eat the space.”

The two former stars enjoyed many fierce battles during their playing careers, regularly facing each other in the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Katsande and Lekgwathi clash

Despite their on-field rivalry, they have developed a close friendship since retiring from professional football. During the July 2021 unrest, when Lekgwathi’s business was looted, Katsande helped the former Buccaneers captain reopen his shop.

Their friendship remains evident, with one of Katsande’s jerseys prominently framed inside Lekgwathi’s business.

The match between Kaizer Chiefs legends and Jozi Stars ended in a penalty shootout win for the Jozi Stars. The exhibition match was played before the Toyota Cup match between Chiefs and Zimbabwean side Scotland FC.