Benni McCarthy's men will collectively pocket at least R4 million if they manage to beat SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (19h00).
"Obviously there is going to be bonuses, that's what also motivates us," Lakay tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"I mean, today's football is all about making money. Besides the fact of winning trophies it is also about making money, that's one of the biggest motivations for teams."
Lakay will be playing in the second final of his career after winning the Telkom Knockout decider with Bleomfontein Celtic against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2012.
"It's my second one, I've been in the Telkom final with Celtic a few years ago against Sundowns. It was also at Moses Mabhida. It's a great feeling. Some of the guys in the team were joking about it. Vincent Kobola was like, 'last year you were fighting relegation and now you are in the cup final'.
"Ja, it's a great feeling and I think anyone would feel that way. You've just moved into a new team and after a few months you are playing a final, you can win your first trophy with the team. So for me it's a great feeling, not only to be in the final but also to be part of such a great team. It's one big happy family. Like you know, I had the option of going to Wits. Coming to City I think I've chosen the right team and made the right choice.
"We are all excited but I still say even though it is a cup final we will still approach the game like any other game. Yes, it's a big game and the way we planned might sound different, but it's not different to any other game we look to win. Preparations went well and we are looking forward to the match."