Simon Lehoko Explained

Simon Lehoko
Birth Place:Vereeniging, South Africa
Position:Defender
Youthyears1:1967–1971
Youthclubs1:Real X20
Years1:1971–1978
Clubs1:Vaal Professionals F.C.
Caps1:214
Goals1:11
Years2:1978–1985
Clubs2:Kaizer Chiefs
Caps2:238
Goals2:25
Totalcaps:454
Totalgoals:36
Nationalyears1:1977
Nationalteam1:South Africa

Simon Lehoko (born in 1951) is a retired South African football (soccer) player. He played for Kaizer Chiefs and Vaal Professionals F.C.

Early life

As a teenager growing up in Sedibeng he played for his father Shadrack Lehoko's team Real X20 which was based in Sharpeville. By the age of 16 he established himself as one of the best defenders in the Vaal. He was regularly selected in the Sharpeville Invitational XI which played against Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on numerous occasions. His brother, Joseph Lehoko nicknamed him "Bull" for his defensive style, which stuck with him till today.[1]

Education

He attended Lekoa Shandu and enrolled at the Wilberforce Training College to get a teacher's diploma. At the training college he met former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ariel Kgongoane. After qualifying to be a teacher he moved from Sharpeville to Meadowlands Zone 5 and taught in Dobsonville.[1]

Kaizer Chiefs

After his great performances at Vaal he was signed by Chiefs in 1978. He was captained by Ryder Mofokeng until his retirement in 1985. He was part of the team that won the quadruple in 1981.[1]

International

Lehoko represented South Africa in 1977 versus Rhodesia.[2]

Retirement

He retired at the age of 34 after a nagging knee injury.[1]

After retirement

He coaching his former club to 1994 Bob Save Super Bowl victory (now Nedbank Cup). He runs the Simon Bull Lehoko Foundation with his son, Mojekisane Lehoko.[1] [3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The talk of Sedibeng - The Star . IOL.co.za . 2012-09-17 . 2013-11-18.
  2. Book: The Penguin Book Of South African Sports Trivia. O'Sullivan, D.. 2012. Penguin Books Limited. 9780143027348. 2015-02-13.
  3. Web site: Nicolson . Greg . Soccer: The forgotten talents of the Vaal Professionals . Daily Maverick . 2013-07-30 . 2013-11-18.