Lucas Thwala life and biography

Lucas Thwala (born 19 October 1981 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga) is a South African soccer defender for Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League and South Africa.

A consistently over-achieving left back or central defender, he combines a 'no guts, no glory' attitude, utter defensive reliability and no inconsequential goal-threat. Thwala is particularly dangerous striking vicious, curving free-kicks from distance.

He deservedly came first in the poll for the 2009 South African Player of the Year and he confirmed his ability to rise to a big challenge as his Orlando Pirates side as he scored in his side's 2-0 victory over a star-studded Manchester City line-up last summer. He is a graduate of the Pirates' youth programme.

"We know this team is not the finished product, but we are improving all the time, and with the backing of our great supporters we can make the second round," Thwala says of South Africa's chances this summer. "I don't think France, Uruguay or Mexico will enjoy facing us on home turf."

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