Wagga Wagga Likoebe Explained

Wagga Wagga Likoebe
Fullname:Lebohang Leonard Likoebe
Birth Date:23 December 1953
Birth Place:Ladybrand, South Africa
Death Date:31 October 2006 (aged 52)
Death Place:Johannesburg, Gauteng
Position:Winger
Years1:1970–1972
Clubs1:Maseru United
Years2:1972–1977
Clubs2:Zulu Royals
Caps2:120
Goals2:66
Years3:1977–1982
Clubs3:Kaizer Chiefs
Caps3:170
Goals3:95
Years4:1982–1985
Clubs4:Wits University
Caps4:102
Goals4:57
Totalcaps:392
Totalgoals:218
Pcupdate:24 October 2013

Leonard Likoebe (23 December 1953 – 7 November 2006) was a South African professional footballer who played as a winger for Zulu Royals, Wits University and Kaizer Chiefs.[1]

Kaizer Chiefs

Born in Ladybrand, he played for Maseru United and later moved to Durban to join the Zulu Royals. In 1977, he transferred to the Kaizer Chiefs. Likoebe left the Chiefs in 1982 and joined Wits University.[1]

Style of play

His former teammate Vusi Lamola described Likoebe by saying "He was a rare striker that always scored important goals, he seldom left the field without scoring", which meant he was very prolific.[1]

After retirement

After retiring from professional football, Likoebe joined the soccer development program at the SAFA center in Klipspruit, Soweto, in 1985.[1]

Coaching career

In 2001, he was appointed as the head coach of National First Division side Ratanang Maholoisane.[2]

Nickname

Likoebe earned the nickname "Wagga Wagga" from fans after a champion racehorse that won the Durban July for his blistering pace in 2001.[2]

Death

On 7 November 2006, Likoebe passed away at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park after a brief illness.[1] His tombstone was created by Bataung Memorials, a memorial service company owned by former Kaizer Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau.[3] He is survived by his widow, daughter, two sons, and a granddaughter.[4]

Funeral

Likoebe's funeral took place on 11 November 2006 at the Avalon Cemetery, following a service held at the Roman Catholic Church in Extension 2. [5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net . Sowetan LIVE . 2006-11-10 . 2013-10-27.
  2. Web site: Citypress Sunday 06 October 2002 p. 32 . 152.111.1.87 . 2002-10-06 . 2013-10-27.
  3. Web site: Bataung Memorial Tombstones.
  4. News: Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net . 10 November 2006 . Sowetan Live . 10 May 2019 .
  5. News: Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net . 10 November 2006 . Sowetan Live . 10 May 2019 .