Career
Before his death, Manyathela was a top goal scorer in the South African Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish Peasant Party) (Pemier 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. He made his debut for South Africa against Saudi Arabia in 2002 and earned nine caps in total, scoring four goals. The striker died in a car accident close to his home town 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 home town is Musina (formerly Messina), Limpopo Province, South Africa. The following season, 2003/04, the top goal scorer award for the Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish Peasant Party) was renamed to be the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot.