Lucas “Makhokhoba” Sebona: ‘We saved Tefu Mashamaite’s career’

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows player Lucas “Makhokhoba” Sebona says senior players at Wits stood up for Tefu Mashamaite and other youngsters when the club considered releasing them.

Speaking to KickOff in an edition of In The Spotlight, Sebona reflected on his playing days, his unusual early footwear, dressing-room characters and the career he built after football.

Sebona recalled that, as a 15-year-old, he sometimes played in rugby boots because players in those days would wear anything that looked like a football boot.

“During those days you would wear anything resembling a soccer boot. You would not even see a difference. To a 15-year-old, even the socks did not matter whether they belonged to football or rugby,” he said.

Asked who was best at pretending to be injured, Sebona named Naughty Mokoena, although he suggested the excuse was linked to late mornings.

“Only Naughty Mokoena after sleeping late,” he said. “Most players were more committed in those days.”

Godfrey Sapula, meanwhile, was among the biggest pranksters at Chloorkop, according to Sebona.

“He had his own jokes. They would create stories out of nothing just to make the guys laugh,” he said.

After retiring, Sebona chose to invest in mobile toilets and tents rather than opening a car wash or shisanyama. He said former team-mates do sometimes ask about special rates for family weddings, but the business was selected because it operates throughout the year.

“Whether you have a funeral after losing a loved one or you are celebrating something, it is there to serve,” he said. “I got into this big business because I wanted to challenge the likes of Talisman.”

Sebona now manages livestock on his farm in Middelburg. He compared handling Brahman cattle with dealing with a determined defender.

“I would say both,” he said. “In the kraal you have to be cautious at all times with your approach. Remember, you are dealing with a mixed breed there, especially me because I have Brahmans.”

His ideal braai guest list from his playing days would include former team-mate Nhlanhla Kubeka, coach Esau Mtsweni and Warren Lewis, who Sebona described as a fierce opponent during his time at AmaZulu.

He also recalled how Wits’ senior players fought for young players, including Mashamaite, when the coach wanted to release them.

“We used to tell the coach these youngsters need to play,” Sebona said. “The senior players stood our ground and forced the club to keep the youngsters. I can say we saved Tefu’s career.”

Sebona said his favourite PSL nickname, apart from Makhokhoba, was “City Slicker”. Players viewed anyone from outside Johannesburg as a farm boy, he explained.

He also recalled being sent off after punching Fabian McCarthy following an off-the-ball incident. McCarthy had elbowed him in the stomach, leaving him unable to breathe briefly, and Sebona responded with a right hook. McCarthy called to apologise the next day, while Gavin Hunt was furious and accused Sebona of costing the team the game.

Sebona believes VAR would have helped him win more penalties, saying his pace made even minor contact appear serious. He added that he could have been the 2003/2004 golden boot winner.