At 45, former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates legend Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea is facing a difficult chapter in his life. Once celebrated for his skill and flair on the soccer field, Lekoelea, who proudly wore the iconic number 10 jersey for Orlando Pirates longer than any other player, is now reportedly struggling to find his footing in his hometown of Sebokeng, Vaal. According to sources, the former star has become a burden to his friends, frequently demanding attention while reminiscing about his glory days, all while battling a life consumed by alcohol.
Lekoelea, who made headlines as a teenage sensation when he began his professional career at 15 with Moroka Swallows, is said to be in a troubling state. Friends allege that the once-charismatic midfielder, who joined Orlando Pirates in 1995 and became a fan favourite for a decade, spends his days intoxicated, boasting about his past achievements instead of confronting the challenges of his present.
One close associate, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, stating, “Chippa constantly talks about how good he was, especially at his peak with Pirates. But he refuses to take responsibility for the downfall of his career. Today, he begs for help as if he never played professional football. It’s heartbreaking to see the shadow of the man he once was.”
Others in the community echo similar sentiments, saying they are exhausted by Lekoelea’s unwillingness to change. “He expects us to feel sorry for him, but instead of reaching out for opportunities, like asking Pirates for a coaching role with their youth teams, he’s wasting away in a spiral of alcohol,” one source revealed.
Lekoelea’s former teammate, Joseph “Dukuduku” Makhanya, now coaches the Pirates reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge, a path some suggest Lekoelea should explore. However, the former star, who had a brief opportunity to join Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven at the age of 18, seems unwilling to take such steps. At PSV, he shared the field with legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam, and Ronaldo but returned home prematurely, citing homesickness and language barriers as reasons for his departure from Europe.
Unfortunately, Lekoelea is not the only former Bafana star battling personal demons. His story mirrors that of other fallen soccer heroes, such as Mbulelo Mabizela, the former Pirates captain who was released by Tottenham Hotspur for issues related to discipline and heavy drinking. Another example is Lerato Chabangu, who continues to struggle with alcoholism.
When contacted for comment on his current situation, Lekoelea tersely responded, “I don’t know you. Who gave you this number?” before abruptly hanging up.
Lekoelea’s story is a sobering reminder of the challenges that many former athletes face when their careers come to an end, and the importance of support systems in helping them transition into life beyond the spotlight.
