Lehlogonolo Masalesa (born 21 March 1992 in Mankweng) is a South African footballer who last played for Black Leopards as a midfielder.[1][2]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | (1992-03-21) 21 March 1992 (age 30) | ||
| Place of birth | Mankweng, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 0000–2009 | ASYDA | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2009–2010 | Platinum Stars | 1 | (0) |
| 2010–2012 | Bidvest Wits | 28 | (0) |
| 2012–2017 | Orlando Pirates | 24 | (0) |
| 2017 | AEL | 14 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | Platinum Stars | 10 | (0) |
| 2018–2019 | Black Leopards | 14 | (0) |
| 2019–2020 | Chippa United | 7 | (0) |
| 2020–2022 | Black Leopards | 8 | (0) |
| National team | |||
| South Africa U20 | |||
| 2017 | South Africa | 3 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 5 June 2021 | |||
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 28 times before signing a three-year deal with Orlando Pirates 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.
He was given the nickname "Vieira" by famous South African football commentator Baba Mthethwa due to the similarities he shares with the former French international footballer.