Lebohang Mokoena: bio and profile

Lebohang Mokoena, also known as “Cheeseboy”, is a retired South African footballer who played as a midfielder. He is best known for his time at Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, where he won numerous titles including the Absa Premiership, Telkom Knockout, and Nedbank Cup. Mokoena also represented his country on the international stage, earning 53 caps for Bafana Bafana. Join me as we explore the career highlights of this talented midfielder.

South African football has produced some of the most talented players in the world. Football teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns have a huge following in the country. South African football players such as Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, and Steven Pienaar have made a name for themselves playing in top European leagues. The South African national team, commonly known as Bafana Bafana, has a passionate fan base and has had some success in international competitions. With a growing interest in the sport, South African football continues to thrive and produce top-level players and teams.

What were the highlights of Lebohang Mokoena’s career with the South African national football team?

Lebohang Mokoena had a successful career with the South African national football team, earning 105 caps and scoring 17 goals. He played for Bafana Bafana in various tournaments, including the 2008 African Cup of Nations and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

One of the highlights of his international career was his performance in the 2008 African Cup of Nations, where he scored in the quarterfinals against Tunisia to help South Africa advance to the semifinals. He also scored a crucial goal in the third-place playoff against Ghana, which secured a bronze medal for Bafana Bafana.

Mokoena also played a key role in South Africa’s impressive run in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where they reached the semifinals before ultimately losing to Brazil. He scored two goals in the tournament, including a stunning strike against New Zealand in the opening game.

Throughout his international career, Mokoena was known for his skill on the ball, pace, and ability to score important goals. He was a fan-favorite for his passion and dedication to the national team, making him one of South Africa’s most beloved footballers.

How did Lebohang Mokoena’s performances for Orlando Pirates compare to his time at Mamelodi Sundowns?

Lebohang Mokoena had an impressive stint at Mamelodi Sundowns where he won numerous domestic trophies. However, his performances for Orlando Pirates were not as consistent and he struggled to cement a regular place in the starting lineup. Mokoena’s pace and dribbling ability were his strongest assets, but he lacked the tactical discipline and work rate required by coach Roger de Sa. Despite this, he managed to score some crucial goals for the club, notably in the CAF Champions League campaign of 2013.

What impact did Lebohang Mokoena have on South African football during his prime years as a professional player?

Lebohang Mokoena was one of the most talented South African football players during his prime years as a professional player. He first gained prominence while playing for the Orlando Pirates, where he quickly established himself as a versatile and dynamic winger with an eye for goal.

Mokoena’s impact on South African football during this time was immense, as he helped lead the Buccaneers to several domestic titles, including two Premier Soccer League championships and two Nedbank Cup triumphs. His exceptional performances earned him national team call-ups and he played a key role in Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mokoena continued to be a prominent figure in South African football, even after his time at the Orlando Pirates, as he went on to play for several other top teams in the country such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars.