SEDIBENG.- Zakes’ Sports Corner want to take this opportunity to join South Africa football fraternity to mourn the passing of one of greatest football players to have to graced our football.

The passing of this former Kaizer Chiefs legend, Simon Lehoko, has brought lot of emotions and fond memories to Zakes’ Sports Corner, I had a close and personal relationship with Ntate Lehoko. Zakes’ Sports Corner didn’t anticipate that one day I would be talking about “Bra Bull” in  past tense.

Gone without a goodbye!

I wrote a series of articles about Lehoko when he coached Vaal Professionals and even after he retired from football. Bra Bull would ask his son to call me to come to see him at his home in Sharpeville. He would share some great memories about South Africa football history and the formation of Vaal Professionals from Real X20 FC and how Orlando Pirates would come to play against Sharpeville selected squad at George Thabe Stadium.

Zakes’ Sports Corner, however, must confess that Ntate Lehoko was not a happy man, too much happened which resulted to the downfall of the mighty Vaal Professionals. The club ownership dispute was one of the things that saw the end of “Setla” in South African football. I would sit down with him as he related to yours truly, Zakes’ Sports Corner, what went wrong in South African football. Despite being on a wheelchair Bra Bull was still strong and still remembered everything like it happened yesterday.

He had a sharp memory, remembering everything that happened both as a player and coach, he was well informed not only about football but life in general. I used to admire his intellect and wisdom. Bra Bull was not just a football person. In fact, he was a teacher by qualification. He goes without saying goodbye, and for us to have the last conversation before his departure.

Farwell Bra Bull, farewell!