Lesley Manyathela

Lesley Phuti "Slow Poison" Manyathela (4 September 1981 – 9 August 2003) was a South African football (soccer) player for Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League and South Africa.
== Career ==
Before his death, Manyathela was a top goal scorer in the South African PSL (Premier Soccer League) scoring 22 goals – (18 league + 4 in cup competitions), this also helped his team, Orlando Pirates, get the league championship honours in the 2002/03 Season.MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE AND MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR LESLEY MANYATHELA
After his death, Manyathela's jersey number 22 was retired by Pirates in honour of the player. 
== International ==
He made his debut for South Africa against Saudi Arabia in 2002 and earned nine caps in total, scoring four goals.Pirates mourn Manyathela
== Death ==
The striker died in a car accident close to his hometown of Musina. He was with his friend in the car during the accident. The death of Manyathela was a blow to the nation as he was one of the most gifted players to emerge to the football limelight, having scored 48 times in 73 appearances for Orlando Pirates. His hometown is Musina (formerly Messina), Limpopo Province, South Africa.Tributes pour in for Manyathela The following season, 2003/04, the top goal scorer award for the PSL was renamed to be the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot.
==Career statistics==
===International goals===
# 	Date 	Venue 	Opponent 	Score 	Result 	Competition 	 	 	 	 	
1. 	29 March 2003 	First National Bank Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa 	 	2–0 	Win 	Friendly 	 	 	 	 	
2. 	14 June 2003 	Basil Kenyon Stadium, East London, South Africa 	 	2–1 	Win 	Friendly 	 	 	 	 	
3. 	14 June 2003 	Basil Kenyon Stadium, East London, South Africa 	 	2–1 	Win 	Friendly 	 	 	 	 	
Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005	Correct as of 9 March 2017South Africa - International Matches 2001-2005
==References==
==External links==
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Category:1981 births
Category:2003 deaths
Category:People from Musina Local Municipality
Category:South African Venda people
Category:South African soccer players
Category:Association football forwards
Category:Orlando Pirates players
Category:Road incident deaths in South Africa