Lehlogonolo Masalesa
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 March 1992 | ||
| Place of birth | Mankweng, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Number | 12 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Africa Sports Youth Development Academy | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2009-2010 | Platinum Stars | 1 | (0) |
| 2010-2012 | Bidvest Wits | 26 | (0) |
| 2012- | Orlando Pirates | 23 | (1) |
| National team | |||
| South Africa U-20 | |||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). | |||
Lehlogonolo Masalesa (born 21 March 1992 in Mankweng, Limpopo), is a South African footballer who plays for Orlando Pirates as a midfielder. He was given the nickname Vieira by famous South African football comantator Baba Mthethwa because of the similarities he shares with the former French international footballer. He is a great passer of the ball and he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier Soccer League. Masalesa started his top-flight career at Platinum Stars after coming through the Africa Sport Youth Development Academy. However, he only made one substitute appearance for Dikwena, prompting a move to Bidvest Wits, who he represented 26 times before signing a three-year deal with Bucs in September 2012. The ex-national Under-20 midfielder notably impressed when given game-time during Pirates' run to the CAF Champions League Final in 2013.