Luckyboy Mokoena Dies After Battling Illness: A Tribute to the Former Highlands Park and TS Galaxy Player
Luckyboy Mokoena, a former defender for Highland Park and TS Galaxy, passed away on January 30, 2024, after battling with an undisclosed illness. He was 30 years old. His death has shocked and saddened the South African soccer community, who remembered him as a talented, versatile, and dedicated player.
Who Was Luckyboy Mokoena?
Luckyboy Mokoena was born on December 12, 1993, in Koppies, a small town in the Free State province. He moved to Johannesburg, Gauteng, when he was young and attended Harmony High School and Wits University. He showed his passion and talent for soccer from an early age, playing in youth teams for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Kaizer Chiefs, and Bidvest Wits.
He made his senior debut for Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2012, and then played for Chippa United, Garankuwa United, Ubuntu Cape Town, and Real Kings. He joined Highlands Park in 2018, where he became a key player and helped the team secure promotion to the DStv Premiership, the top division of South African soccer. He played 71 games and scored two goals for Highlands Park, playing as a right-back, left-back, center-back, and right midfield.
With goals like this from players with names like Luckyboy Mokoena I might have to start watching South African football regularly. pic.twitter.com/nnb1iRcnHk
— Jack (@WorkTheSpace) August 11, 2018
In 2020, he signed for TS Galaxy, a newly promoted team in the DStv Premiership. He played 20 games for them, but his last appearance was in November 2022, when he was substituted due to an injury. He never recovered from his illness and was unable to play again.
He also represented South Africa at the under-20 level, and was called up to the senior national team in 2019, although he did not make his debut. He was regarded as one of the most promising defenders in the country, with a bright future ahead of him.
Football Career Stats
| Season | Team | League | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012/2013 | Mpumalanga Black Aces | 1st Division | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013/2014 | Chippa United | 1st Division | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014/2015 | Garankuwa United | 1st Division | 25 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015/2016 | Ubuntu Cape Town | 1st Division | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016/2017 | Real Kings | 1st Division | 24 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | Real Kings | 1st Division | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | Highlands Park | 1st Division | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018/2019 | Highlands Park | DStv Premiership | 30 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019/2020 | Highlands Park | DStv Premiership | 29 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020/2021 | TS Galaxy | DStv Premiership | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021/2022 | TS Galaxy | DStv Premiership | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021/2022 | Sekhukhune United | DStv Premiership | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | – | – | 179 | 3 | 0 |
Luckyboy Mokoena Obituary And Death Cause
Luckyboy Mokoena’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends. They described him as a humble, hard-working, and friendly person, who always gave his best on and off the field.
His former coach at Highlands Park, Owen Da Gama, said that he was devastated by the news and that Mokoena was like a son to him. He praised his work ethic, professionalism, and leadership, and said that he was a role model for the younger players. He also said that Mokoena was a family man, who loved his wife and children.
His former teammate at TS Galaxy, Lindokuhle Mbatha, said that he was shocked and heartbroken by the loss of his friend and brother. He said that Mokoena was a happy and positive person, who always motivated and supported his teammates. He said that Mokoena was a fighter, who never gave up on his dreams.
His former club, Highlands Park, posted a statement on their official Twitter account, expressing their condolences and sympathy to his family, friends, and fans. They said that Mokoena was a legend and a hero, who will always be remembered and honored by the club. They also thanked him for his contribution and dedication to the team.
His current club, TS Galaxy, also posted a statement on their official website, announcing his death and sending their deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and fans. They said that Mokoena was a loyal and faithful servant of the club, who always displayed courage and commitment. They said that Mokoena was a star, who will always shine in their hearts.
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A Legacy to Inspire
Luckyboy Mokoena’s death is a tragic loss for South African soccer and for everyone who knew and loved him. He was a talented and versatile player, who could play in various positions and roles. He was a humble and hard-working person, who always gave his best on and off the field. He was a happy and positive person, who always motivated and supported his teammates. He was a family man, who loved his wife and children.
He was a lucky boy, who lived his dream of playing soccer at the highest level. He was a star, who inspired many with his passion and talent. He was a hero, who will always be remembered and honored by his fans and friends.
