Fagrie Lakay has been part of the South African National team set-up since the tender age of 15 years. He has even impressed senior national team head coach in the past to get a Bafana Bafana call-up.
Ahead of a crucial 2nd leg match against Namibia in the 2017 CAF U20 African Cup of Nations qualifier match; SAFA Media Officer Namhla Mphelo (NM) took some time to speak to Lakay.
Tell us how you have being doing career wise since the 2015 Edition of the u19 Durban International Tournament?
FL: Yes it has been a while but it feels good to wear the national colours again. If you remember well I got injured during the Durban tournament and this was just before my signing with SuperSport United. Things did not really go the way I had planned; however I eventually got some game time although it took longer than I had hoped.
Speaking of SuperSport United, congratulations on the Nedbank Cup title. How is life at SuperSport?
I am happy at SuperSport United; it is a great club especially if you are a youngster. I left Cape Town a while ago but I feel at home at my club.
Amajita qualified for the last African Cup of Nations but didn’t perform very well. What are you and your teammates going to do differently this time to secure a spot in the next FIFA U20 World Cup?
I think that Amajita were very unlucky last time they participated in AFCON tournament. I was not there due to injury though.
As a student of the game of football, what do you think is lacking in South African football?
That is a tough one. I believe that my generation has been given the correct tools through the development structures we grew up in but at times we just lack confidence or lack the international experience to become world beaters.
You have worked with Coach Thabo Senong for almost 4 to 5 years now. What type of a coach is he and what do you think he does right to get the best out of a player?
Yes you are correct and as far as I know Coach Senong is very passionate about development. I think there is a difference in coaching adults and young children; with youngsters some coaches lose patience. Coach Thabo encourages us even when we are at our lowest point. He is like a father that you can talk openly to and his passion of the game also helps when times are tough.
You face Namibia this coming Saturday in a crucial match. What are you looking forward to come Saturday?
I am looking forward to scoring the winning goal *laughs*. We know it will not be an easy match; Namibia held us to a draw in their backyard so I believe that has given them confidence coming into the encounter. However, I am confident that we will come out victorious from that encounter.