By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Kaizer Chiefs family and the entire SA football fraternity is mourning the passing of stalwart Simon “Bull” Lehoko, who passed away after a long illness on Wednesday.
Lehoko, 75, was suffering from diabetes. Hehad a leg amputated in 2016, apparently from complications after a brick fell on it.
Lehoko who started his football career with the now defunct Vaal Professionals, made a name himself in South African football playing for one of the biggest teams Kaizer Chiefs for many years.
Chiefs supremo Kaizer Motaung has paid a tribute to Lehoko.
“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of a true Kaizer Chiefs legend and friend Simon ‘Bull’ Lehoko,” said Motaung in a statement released by the club.
“I knew him for many years, having played against him when he was a youngster before we signed him for Amakhosi in 1978 and then sharing numerous memorable moments with him after he joined us.”
Motaung remembered Lehoko as a tenacious defender who made a huge contribution to the club.
“On the field, his tenacity and strength earned him the nickname of ‘Bull’ which aptly described his hard but fair approach to defending, He was a towering presence who intimidated opponents with his uncompromising combination of physicality and composure on the ball.
Lehoko made history when he led the club to win their first ever trophy when they beat Free States Stars 1-0 in the BoB-Save Super Bowl Cup at the FNB Stadium in 1994.