SEDIBENG.- Sedibeng Ster Sport looks back to the history of the now defunct Vaal Professionals, otherwise known as “Setla”.
A team that will always be the best thing to have happened in the Vaal.
The club was one of the best teams in South African football before being relegated from top flight football more than 30 years ago. It was the pride of Vaal with local soccer fans used to packing the Kwa-Masiza Stadium or Zamdela Stadium to capacity to watch it playing against the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
It is said that the club was formed by the Lehoko family from a club called X20 FC and recruited the best talent in Sharpeville and Vaal to compete against the best teams in National Soccer League (NPSL) era. In the previous interviews with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Bull Lehoko told this newspaper how the club was formed.
Some of the top players the club recruited were Kenneth “Conti” Kubheka, Petros “Mzuzu” Maleka, Andrew “Malome” Phiri, Satch Modise, Isaac Manyaka, Bricks Mbele, Augustine Makalakalane, Chippa Makalakalane, Patric Louw, Meshack Zwane to mention but few.
Some of these players went on to make a name for themselves in South African football with players like Makalakalane even going to play abroad. Simon “Bull” Lehoko, who later became the most successful coach and the club’s director, was among the best players to have come from Vaal and make a name for himself in South African football.
This was after he joined Kaizer Chiefs.
However, a knee injury forced him to retire from top flight football and come back home to coach Vaal Pros. With less little resources and unknown players Vaal Pros became a force to be reckoned with in South African football. In 1994 Vaal Pros was crowned the then BobSave Super Blow Cup Champions after they beat Free Sate Stars, formerly Qwaqwa Stars 1-0 in the final with courtesy of a goal by Robson “Koi Yoko” Seakamela at FNB Stadium.
However, the club’s dispute over the ownership saw the club relegated from top flight football to the lower leagues. George Thabe was called as a mediator and he ended being the club’s chairman, however, this was the end of an era for the once pride of Vaal.
The club was known as “Setla” or “Vaal Monsters”.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the club legend, Makalakalane said Vaal Pros was the best thing to happen in South Africa football. However, several efforts to revive this club was unsuccessful with local businessman and politician, Mosotho Petlane bought the ABC Motsepe League’s status and named the club after this legendary club.
“This club launched my football career and I was the top goal scorer when the club was campaign in the OK league. I wish somebody with money can buy a PSL status to revive that team because it was the pride of Vaal. South Africa football is no longer the same without Vaal Professional,” said Makalakalane.
Makalakalane was part of Bafana Bafana team that won the 1996 African Cup of Nation.
