Wagga Wagga Likoebe
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]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Lebohang Leonard Likoebe | ||
| Date of birth | 23 December 1953 | ||
| Place of birth | Ladybrand, South Africa | ||
| Date of death | 31 October 2006 (aged 52) | ||
| Place of death | Johannesburg, Gauteng | ||
| Position(s) | Winger | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1970–1972 | Maseru United | ||
| 1972–1977 | Zulu Royals | 120 | (66) |
| 1977–1982 | Kaizer Chiefs | 170 | (95) |
| 1982–1985 | Wits University | 102 | (57) |
| Total | 392 | (218) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 October 2013 | |||
Kaizer Chiefs Edit
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 Edit
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 Edit
After retiring from professional football, Likoebe joined the soccer development program at the SAFA center in Klipspruit, Soweto, in 1985.[1]
Coaching career Edit
In 2001, he was appointed as the head coach of National First Division side Ratanang Maholoisane.[2]
Nickname Edit
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 Edit
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 Edit
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]
References Edit
- ^ a b c d e "Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net". Sowetan LIVE. 10 November 2006. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ a b "Citypress Sunday 06 October 2002 p. 32". 152.111.1.87. 6 October 2002. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ "Bataung Memorial Tombstones".
- ^ "Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net". Sowetan Live. 10 November 2006. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
- ^ "Likoebe knew just how to rattle the net". Sowetan Live. 10 November 2006. Retrieved 10 May 2019.