Lehoko is one of the former soccer greats that South African football history will never be written without mentioning his name alongside great players such as Ephraim “Jomo” Sono, Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung, Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, Lucas Moripe, Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe and many others.
These above mentioned players played an important role in South African football during the apartheid era.
Lehoko recently took Sedibeng Ster Sport down to some of his fond memories playing for one of the biggest team in the history of South African football, Kaizer Chiefs.
This was during the era when Chiefs dominated domestic football and wining every trophy.
Lehoko, like many players, was recruited from school to play for the mighty Amakhosi before retiring and coming back home to form and coach the now defunct Vaal Professionals.
“My heart is bleeding when I recall how football used to be the pride of our community. This was the only thing we knew growing up in township and I am grateful for having played for a big club like Kaizer Chiefs. I learned a lot about football not only in the field of play but also about administration. I played with great players at Chiefs and we were unstoppable, beating every club that would stand on our way”, said Lehoko.
His rise to stardom was when he became the coach of Vaal Professionals, otherwise, known as “Setla”.
The club became a giant killer in South African football. Teams such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows knew what it was like when they took a short trip to Vaal to play against Vaal Monsters at Zamdela Stadium or Kwa-Masiza Stadium.
Lehoko told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the highlight of his coaching career was when he lead Vaal Pros to their first trophy when they beat Qwaqwa Stars 1-0 in the Bob Save Cup final, courtesy of a Robinson “Koiyoko” Seakamela goal in 1994.
Lehoko said under his leadership , the club produced exciting talent with some players featuring for Bafana Bafana and joining big clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Lehoko’s biggest dream is to see the return of professional football in Sedibeng. He is currently involved in community projects and a football legends program. Lehoko pleads with South Africans to adhere to lockdown rules and save lives.
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