Where is former Pirates pacey finisher Lebohang Mokoena now?
Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Lebohang Mokoena has not retired from football. But what does he do with his life now?
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebohang Mokoena has yet to hang up his boots, even though many football-loving fans assume he has, because he has not played professional football since the end of the 2021/22 season.
‘HAPPY PEOPLE’
The Soweto-born footballer – affectionately known as “Cheeseboy” – was part of the dedicated young crop of footballers at Pirates in the early 2000s who were feared by their opponents. These included Joseph “Duku Duku” Makhanya, Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi and the late Gift “Vum Vum” Leremi.
Although the Buccaneers did not win any silverware at the time, under Serbian coach Kostadin Papic, adoring fans dubbed themselves the “Happy People” because of the club’s form. The nickname was derived from American musician R Kelly’s hit song of the same name.
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CAREER
At the tender age of 17, in 2003, Mokoena joined the Soweto Giants, making his debut that year. In the next season (2004/05), his efforts were rewarded when he won the club’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. As a result he was promoted to Orlando Pirates senior team the following season.
Mokoena, who is extensively known for his pace and dribbling ability, made just under 100 appearances for Pirates. During his time at the club, he also featured on Football Manager 2006 – a North American football management simulation video game.
In 2009, the right-winger and striker joined Pretoria-based side Mamelodi Sundowns. After leaving Masandawana, Mokoena signed for Cape Town Spurs (formerly known as Ajax Cape Town). He joined embattled Moroka Swallows in 2018.
Not many footballers in the country boast represented the nation at all levels. In the case of Mokoena, however, he started with the Under-17 (14 caps), U-20 (2 caps) and he was a regular, and one of the top goal scorers, in the U-23 squad.
Is Bafana Bafana debut came in 2005 in a 2-1 win against Mexico in the United States of America.
WHERE IS ORLANDO PIRATES LEGEND LEBOHANG MOKOENA NOW?
In 2023, Mokoena tragically lost his wife, Masentle, whom he had been married to for eight years.
Speaking on the Prime Sports With Mahlatse last year, he explained that his wife passed away while giving birth. The couple share four children.
“She is dearly missed and I am currently going through counselling because I need that and that is the reason I have decided to take a break from football to try to sort out my kids.
“I have to make sure my kids are well looked after and they also receive counselling to go past this. I know it is not going to be easy because we will never forget but life has to go on, ” he explained.
While Mokoena has not retired, he has already started working towards a new chapter in his life. In December 2023, he told Soccer Laduma that he has completed his Safa D-Licence coaching course.
During his interview on the Onside Podcast with Len Moleko on MacG’s YouTube channel, the Bucs veteran player shared that he is still working with the Zodwa Khoza foundation. Zodwa is the late daughter of Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza.
Mokoena also shared his desire to continue his philanthropic work through his own foundation where they provide aid for needy school children.
